Flying 1st timers as pax

[FenderManDan]

I have family members interested in flying with me, however they are all 1st timers in the small airplane.
I am thinking giving them a circuit first just in case they freak out. If that goes well, then go for the ride.

How would you deal with that kind of pax as far as setting the expectations? What kind of pax brief would you give them (gotta be a funny one)?

[CpnCrunch]

Above all, pick a nice day! If they get bounced around a lot they'll probably hate it, but if it's smooth as glass they'll love it.

To be honest I don't usually give any briefing to passengers if we're just doing a local sightseeing flight. I just make sure their seatbelt is secure and that they know how to operate the door latch. I think you just scare them if you start discussing the ELT, what happens if the engine dies, etc. If they want to know that stuff then certainly talk to them about it, or if you're flying over mountains or water or whatever then obviously discuss things in more detail.

Just tell them to ask you if they have any questions. Also maybe explain the intercom/radio (otherwise they're left wondering who can hear them talking). Tell them what you're doing at various points (preflight checks, run-up, backtracking, about to take off, etc).

When you get up to circuit height, just ask them how they're doing before you decide where to fly. Bear in mind you sometimes don't get much warning before someone barfs (make sure you have lots of airsickness bags handy!), and some people can get airsick even when it's only the slightly bit bumpy. If it is bumpy, make the flight short unless you're sure they're doing to be ok.

[Beefitarian]

Strangely enough I don't really use humour in my pre-flight briefings. I do use the phrase, "If we have to park somewhere because of a problem." in place of "crash" while explaining the ELT has an inertia switch that will probably set it off but there is a switch on it so we can make sure it's on so it will help someone come find us.

I think it's a legal requirement as well as a good idea for them to know about it.

My mom was the only one that ever had a problem being scared in a small plane. She was the first passenger I took up after I got my license. She gripped a plastic sic sac so hard I think she melted it and fused it into a plastic ball. I only took her for one circuit then let her off the hook. Then I took my dad for a circuit and he was addicted. I've taken him on a couple of long cross countries and he loves it.

I'm pretty sure even though I never finished my CPL it's the one thing I've done he might be proud of besides my kids.

I've taken lots of friends and aquaintences for short rides. You can tell if they're going to be ok as soon as you get them in the plane usually. I tend to go on a short local sight seeing tour. I've gone to the practice area because that's what you know when you have just finished your license but I recall an instructor saying, "Why do people take their friends to the practice area for a ride? You survived going there as a student. I'd stay as far from there as possible after getting a license." He has a point.

My mom was perfectly happy with going for a circuit but never flew again.

[Colonel Sanders]

LOOK OUTSIDE

Keep the flight short. Fly smooth with the ball in the
center and low angles of bank and pitch.

Tell them not to touch anything unless you tell them to

Be very careful on the ramp re: props. Stay behind
the wing.

[gustind]

When giving a briefing, always start with comfort.

"Hey guys, look at this spacious C150! You and I are going to have to leave our manhood at the door for this flight because it'll get a little touchy feely in here. I may reach over to grab some switches or do some checks so don't be alarmed etc,."

Blah blah blah, seat belts, how to get out. When doing a full briefing, I'll mention that we are legally required to carry fire extinguishers and first aid kits, cause if you cut yourself or you spontaneously burst into flames....tisk tisk tisk. Just make sure they're at ease when they first get in and do a briefing with a smile on your face.

+1 for going up on a nice, calm morning. +1 for sick bags. Certainly a must!

[CpnCrunch]

I think it says you have to give them a briefing, but it doesn't say what exactly that has to contain. Do you tell them to take off their glasses and unlatch the door before you crash land? How to operate the fire extinguisher? How to get out if the door jams? Brace position? Really, if you're flying locally and there are fields all around, you're either going to have a nice smooth landing if the engine quits or you're going to plough a big smoking hole in the ground if you spin or if a wing falls off. Either way a very detailed briefing isn't going to help (in my opinion).

[YYZSaabGuy]

Do point out that the wing is going to drop when you bank the airplane into a turn. Forgot to mention that one myself, once. Quickest circuit in history.

[Beefitarian]

Yes Cpn, I usually talk about taking off glasses and sharp things out of their pockets. Plants the thought in case I forget while I'm CRASHING! I leave out the unlatch the door I like them to have some surprises. I do mention if you can't open a door or unlatch a window, kick a window out. Discussions about wings falling off is audience dependant.

Propellers, I told you about before we went outside but I'm reading this stuff off a card because I could never memorize it. If you can't see them they might be moving, if you need to get out before the engine has stopped go toward the back of the plane and look out for other planes.

This is the fire extinguisher. Here's how to get it out of the latch. You know how they work? Pull the pin, sqeeze the trigger and point it at the base of the flame.

I've found that I like to tell people. Don't touch anything unless I ask you to but don't be worried about bumping the yoke or something. For some reason many people are pretty scared that if they bump it the plane will spiral out of the sky. Some passengers uncomfortably curl up their hands and feet. Maybe that's for the best in certain cases but I'm pretty sure that kills some of the fun of flying.

[Instructor_Mike]

LOOK OUTSIDE
Keep the flight short. Fly smooth with the ball in the
center and low angles of bank and pitch.

This is good advice. Remember that even if a steep turn is normal to you after your flight test it's not for someone new to flying it can be a little unsettling (in more than one way).

As for the ground brief I keep it simple and cover the essentials knowing full well that if the s*** hits the fan, they probably won't remember anything fancy or extravagant. I also avoid humor since I know I'm not good at it

For the flight itself, I'd say go a little more than just a circuit. Make it more like 20 min or so. The time at cruise gives you a bit of a chance to talk to them, point out landmarks etc. Approach/landing is where I'm not as talkative so going right from takeoff to approach means they don't get a chance to (hopefully) relax.

I think it says you have to give them a briefing, but it doesn't say what exactly that has to contain.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/r ... htm#602_89

[Shiny Side Up]

I think it says you have to give them a briefing, but it doesn't say what exactly that has to contain.

It does specify what you must tell them, though people often add more to the list as they feel that they need. I always warn people about propellers.

602.89 (1) The pilot-in-command of an aircraft shall ensure that all of the passengers on board the aircraft are briefed before take-off with respect to the following, where applicable:

(a) the location and means of operation of emergency and normal exits;

(b) the location and means of operation of safety belts, shoulder harnesses and restraint devices;

(c) the positioning of seats and the securing of seat backs and chair tables;

(d) the stowage of carry-on baggage;

(e) where the aircraft is unpressurized and it is possible that the flight will require the use of oxygen by the passengers, the location and means of operation of oxygen equipment; and

(f) any prohibition against smoking.

(2) The pilot-in-command of an aircraft shall ensure that all of the passengers on board the aircraft are briefed

(a) in the case of an over-water flight where the carriage of life preservers, individual flotation devices or personal flotation devices is required pursuant to section 602.62, before commencement of the over-water portion of the flight, with respect to the location and use of those items; and

(b) in the case of a pressurized aircraft that is to be operated at an altitude above FL 250, before the aircraft reaches FL 250, with respect to the location and means of operation of oxygen equipment.

(3) The pilot-in-command of an aircraft shall, before take-off, ensure that all of the passengers on board the aircraft are provided with information respecting the location and use of

(a) first aid kits and survival equipment;

(b) where the aircraft is a helicopter or a small aircraft that is an aeroplane, any ELT that is required to be carried on board pursuant to section 605.38; and

(c) any life raft that is required to be carried on board pursuant to section 602.63.

One can of course delegate such duties.

[iflyforpie]

I fly first timers in light aircraft for a living; here's what I've noticed.

If it is a warm day, fly in the morning or in the evening to avoid thermals.

Keep turns rate one or below. Even when turning in valleys, I rarely go over rate one. Most normal people will not freak out at those turn and bank rates provided they are smooth.

Keep descent rates below 500 fpm.

Of course, smooth control.

If there are any bumps in the air, keep airspeed as low as you can in the descent... air pockets are like speed bumps, they get worse with airspeed.

Keep barf bags handy.

Tell people the location of the air vents and heat and ask them periodically about the cabin temperature. Most people overdress in light aircraft (a good thing) but start overheating and don't say anything until it is too late.

Encourage passenger participation. It lets them know what is going on and it gets their mind off of other things... like getting them to check seat belts and doors... or that the landing gear survived the takeoff.

It's all in reading people too. I've taken first timers up and done the floating pencil trick with them. Some of my clients who I have flown for hundreds of hours still get jittery or sick when the plane bumps or turns.

Most people who are nervous will tell you that they don't like the idea of getting in a small airplane... if they are really adamant about it or even overly concerned, it is best to leave them on the ground.

[Masters Off]

Flying many pax, I find the simplest thing was to make sure they were constantly looking forward when any attitude change occured. I had one pax who, while looking through a camera lens, was shooting just above the wingtip when I made a turn....the end result was not favorable. Some people like looking around, it can cause problems.

Of course everyone's different. Some people are like my mother. Had to stick her in the rear right seat for fear that if anything went wrong, she would try to grab at me (out of personal safety and the ability to still operate everything if necessary). Others can be fully helping out, doing things for me. Of course I never taught "attitudes and movements"...god forbid...

[Shiny Side Up]

One thing I always find funny is how airplanes put little kids to sleep. When they're in the 2 to 5 years range, they always get so excited to go, that soon as they're airborne, the combo of the noise and motion just zonks them out. They've used up all their energy. People only ever get airsick when they're older.

[iflyforpie]

I took my kids everywhere by plane at that age.. my daughter having her first ride at four months. I was flying other people's planes for fuel costs only so it was literally cheaper than driving (fuel, wear and tear, fast food, and therapy). Yep, 10-15 mins after takeoff, zzzzzzzzZZZONK!!

[Lost Lake]

Ya IFP. When I use to fly my young daughter, the most important thing was to make sure she was sitting comfortably. My 150 was the best baby sitter in the world. 5 min after takeoff.....ZZZZZZZ

[mike123]

This is my typical briefing for first-timers:
- Welcome to "mike123 airline" (here is your little bit of humor)
- This is how you buckle and unbuckle your seat belt and latch and unlatch the door
- If any time during the flight you don't feel good please let me know right away
- If you hear me or someone else making a radio transmission please refrain from talking
- Please don't touch the controls and the pedals
- In case we have to make an emergency landing, we would need to turn on ELT, which is located at the back (show where)

I usually make the flight about 40 minutes long.

[CpnCrunch]

It's also useful to ask passengers to look out for other aircraft, especially if it's busy.

[YBW-Kid]

IMHO

My experience was people got sick in my airplane because of motion sickness. Motion naturally created by an aircraft not under proper and professional control by an inexperienced dumb ass aviator allowing uncoordinated movements of the aircraft around the three axis. Yes thats my reflection in the mirror. I'm a dumb ass. Even my dog projectile vomited on my lap once. (true story)

These movements are un-natural, uncomfortable and unsettling to folks & apparently dogs who seldom fly. Us aviators get used to the gyrations kinda like riding a horse- you learn early on to go with the trail and the horse and smooth out the ride by relaxing and letting your head and body move freely like a bobble head doll. When flying us aviators become accustomed to the vertical sensations, the rolling and the yawing- sometimes all at the same time. Were pretty damn cool! Our passengers are likely to be a bit apprehensive and nervous and not relaxed like that bobble head doll. Being rigid they now become victims of inner ear sensations and the confusion between senses and visual and before long your cleaning your aircraft.

Over the years I have been privileged to carry many many first time passengers on light aircraft. Something I learned early in my flying after introducing several people to the bottom of the "feed trough" was proper rudder usage. Those who fly larger aircraft know the benefits of a yaw dampener system. Those who fly smaller aircraft actually can create the same effect with their feet. Next time you go flying perhaps perhaps try this.

When airborne- with both feet on the rudder pedals - apply a slight but equal pressure on both pedals and maintain this pressure for the entire flight. Your airplane will go straight because pushing both pedals will not inflict yaw. At first your legs will get a little tired- but you will eventually acclimatize once you see the benefits. In straight and level flight you will dampen out most of those small yawing motions created by light turbulence- the same way a yaw dampener does on the more complex aircraft. When it's time for a gentle turn, instead of applying pressure on the rudder pedal in the direction of the turn, try keeping the same pressure on that rudder pedal and slightly releasing the pressure on the opposite rudder until the desired rate is achieved. Remember to keep equal pressure on both pedals during the turn and then the opposite going back to wings level. This will allow and achieve the same yaw effect however in a more controlled and smooth application. Next time your out flying focus on the compass on the dashboard and line it up on a cloud or a mountain peak. Notice how much back and forth yaw occurs with your feet on the floor. Put a slight pressure on the pedals and watch that yaw disappear.

The other thing is trim the aircraft and only finger tips on the control column lightly. Aviators with a death grip on the controls flying Dutch Rolls as they try to catch up to the natural movements of the aircraft makes for one nauseating ride. Trust me on this one....most aircraft because of inherent stability can fly themselves much better than us aviators in smooth air. Again out flying with pressure on both pedals and our hands mostly off the controls, go watch that compass and cloud again. I guarantee you will see a difference. Smoother more coordinated flight= less interior decorating by our passengers.

From our first flying lesson we say we are going flying today implying we are going to get in the air and manhandle those controls to ensure this flying machine does exactly what we want it to do. Remember your instructor telling you to be in control and don't let the plane fly you? Your Instructor was right but I would alter your instructors suggestion by saying we will control this aircraft today with proper management of the controls. It is better to manage your aircraft vs flying it.

My dog just barfed on my keyboard!

[PilotDAR]

I posted the following much earlier, but it did not seem to stick, here it is again...


Tell each Pax in all seriousness that coming back early is no problem, if they are uncomfortable. You'd rather come back early, and have them (and you) happy that you did.

Your first sign that someone is getting airsick is probably that they become more still, and more quiet. If they will not reply to your question, are slow to reply, and seem distracted, they are, get them on the ground. If you have a Pax who could become airsick, the best thing you can do is point things of interest out on the horizon, while keeping attitude changes to a minimum.

Explain a little of what you are doing as you fly, it will reduce surprises, particularly power and configuration changes.

If you don't know something they ask, just admit it.

Don't do airwork, even if they ask you to. that's for the third or so flight, if the first flights go well.

Take your time, and assure that they see that you're taking your time. You have no need to feel rushed, so don't look like you are, it erodes confidence.

[2550]

Dont do airwork at all. Between first solo and commercial I took passengers along for things like steep turns and stalls. Not deliberatly scaring them, but now having flown passengers as a job I cant believe I did. Id have been very justifiably fired.

If airwork is still even mildly interesting to you it shouldnt be done with passengers.

http://www.avcanada.ca/forums2/viewtopi ... 18&t=83593

[Rookie50]

+ 1 on a smooth day, light winds, a confident brief without too much, never take your eyes off them on a busy ramp, encourage them to relax, gentle flying inputs.

Also kids do fall asleep-- bonus! (mine still does at 10 yrs old)

Break in with short trip before anything longer. 30 -40 min is nice.