5 Tips for Taking Your First Passenger
Taking your first passenger is exciting for everyone involved. You’ve worked hard for your license and want to share an amazing experience. Follow the tips below to make sure it’s just that.
Choose Your First Companion Wisely
Another person next to you is another item to manage. You’re still new and learning. You might get task-saturated regardless of whether the person next to you is talking, asking questions, nervous or feeling ill. Pick someone who will listen to you and be generally calm. Someone who is very nervous about flying may not be the best choice, until you are more accustomed to managing passengers. If you choose pilot friend, remember you are PIC. You can consider any suggestions or points they make, but they should respect your techniques and how you learned.
Brief Your Passenger on the Ground Before Starting
Explain the relevant safety and operational items such as how to use the doors, the seatbelt, and things not to touch. Show them how to use the headset, volume controls, and what callsign to listen out for. When they hear ATC say your call sign, tell them to expect you to stop talking or hold your hand up so you can listen and respond. Most people aren’t accustomed to listening to ATC during conversations, but they may pick it up better than you think.
Prepare Them
Do your best to explain what the flight will be like. How is the weather, will it be turbulent? Will it be sweltering hot on the ground until you takeoff? Have them help out with other air traffic. Explain, “it’s a big sky and we’re a small airplane, but if you see any other planes please point them out.”
Prepare Yourself
As mentioned above, another person is another thing to manage when your brain and hands are already full. Be prepared to slow down. Do not allow yourself to be rushed. As part of your briefing, let your companion know there are certain times you might not be able to talk. Tell them if you put your hand up, it means stop talking so you can work the radio.
Learn How to Care For a Sick Passenger
If your passenger begins to feel nauseous, know how to respond and helpful measures. Open any vents to keep it as cool as possible, and instruct them to keep their eyes outside, far ahead on the horizon. Have a motion sickness bag within reach. Keep them calm and reassure them it’s okay if they get sick. If you’re on a cross country, plan ahead for possible divert airport if your passenger wants to land or go back home. If your passenger is very nervous, consider staying close to your departure airport for a few minutes to get them accustomed to the air.
You will feel very proud after landing with your companion, still beaming from the experience. If it’s their first time in a small airplane, they will never forget it. Take some pictures – when its safe and at the right moment!
