Your First Passenger

As I trimmed the nose up for a smooth climbout, I checked on Michelle in the back seat. “Great!,” she replied enthusiastically. I was volunteering to pilot a ride in a PT-26, and I know how vintage warbirds can be overwhelming for riders; they’re noisy, smelly, and often have no creature comforts like heat or armrests. I like to keep them talking so I know how they’re doing, and in tandem front-to-back seating, I can’t always visually see how they’re doing. I asked what other light planes she’d flown in. “This is my first ride in any airplane, but I love rollercoasters,” she answered quickly. That would have been good to know during the briefing! We flew on and I went through some gentle maneuvers. On the way back, Michelle was notably quiet. Meekly, she asked to land as soon as we could. When we got out of the plane, it was the first time I’d seen anyone actually turn green. I felt terrible.

During training, we teach students about flight planning and the PAVE checklists. We teach them to account for the pilot, the weather, and any concerns with the airplane or the route. We don’t spend enough time with one of the biggest, and earliest, new external pressures a newly certificated pilot will face: your first passenger. The first passenger might be a family member or friend, fellow student, or club member. It’s likely they’re as anxious as you are, and as PIC, you’re responsible. But the passenger’s experience is very different than the pilot’s. Of course, you’ll do good things like pick a good day, fly conservatively, and keep it short. But how will you manage the needs of the person with you?

The approach I like to take is based on the same approach we use as instructors for new students. Instructors are taught to consider human needs, and basic human behavior, to ensure the learner has a productive experience. New pilots can take this same approach to help them and their new passenger have a safe and rewarding flight. Essentially, new pilots want to ensure the passenger is comfortable, are engaged in the flight process, feel safe, and are encouraged to speak up.

First, make sure they’re comfortable. Taking off only to have them feel sick because they’re hot or cold, their headset hurts, are dehydrated, or they are very hungry could create a lot more workload or an unplanned diversion. Similarly, if the passenger is unwell, or on medication, the flight might not work out and be a distraction for the pilot. Their comfort can change rapidly, so continue to check on them throughout the flight.

If the passenger feels like a burden or that they’re getting in the way, they might grow anxious or afraid; many people unfamiliar with flying are terrified they’ll cause a problem by touching the wrong thing. Help them feel engaged in the overall flight by giving them a job, like looking for traffic, or having them help you with checklists or flight deck organization.

If a passenger doesn’t feel safe and secure, they will naturally be afraid or have a negative impression of the flight. By explaining what the controls do, briefing what will happen on the flight, and ensuring they can unbuckle their seatbelts and how to exit the plane can put them at ease. One thing that has made my passengers much more relaxed is to simply tell them what they can hold on to with their hands.

When people know it’s okay to voice their concerns, they’re usually able to better handle stress and new information. Asking your passenger for feedback, to help with the preflight inspection, or giving them space to tell stories and ask questions makes them feel knowledgeable and appreciated. When they feel like they have ‘permission’ to bring up concerns, they’re more likely to simply ask, “what’s that red light mean?” rather than to quietly panic, “there’s a red light, we must be in danger.” This makes the flight more enjoyable for them, and a valuable part of the flight crew.

The first passenger after your certificate will be one of your most memorable flights. You’re exercising new responsibilities and have the incredible opportunity to share the joy of aviation with someone. Add a few steps to your new flight process to ensure they’re comfortable, engaged, safe, and encouraged to speak up. Then they’re no longer just a passenger, they’re an important partner in a terrific, meaningful flight.