A large number of non-pilot passengers have told me they don’t like flying in clouds. They want to be able to see the world outside the window. If you are going to be in actual instrument conditions, say so ahead of time and give a brief explanation about what to expect. I’ve had some pilot friends indicate that their spouses were so uncomfortable with being in clouds that they always flew VFR with them, even if it meant delaying a departure for a couple of days. Their spouses are still willing to fly with them.
Weather Decisions
Key Takeaways:
- Pilots should acknowledge and address passenger discomfort with flying in clouds, proactively communicating about instrument conditions or even delaying flights to maintain visual flight rules.
- Never fly through thunderstorms with passengers, as their extreme danger is widely understood and unacceptable to subject passengers to.
- Make significantly more conservative weather decisions when flying with passengers than when solo, prioritizing their comfort and safety to ensure a positive experience and willingness to fly again.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
