Dangerous Passenger Tricks

Get any two or more pilots together for a bit of hangar flying and youll hear a lot of interesting tales of aerial travails-some of them actually true, albeit with perhaps a touch of modest embellishment. One topic always standing out as a regular, reliable crowd-pleaser is the story of the errant passenger. Sometimes these are humorous anecdotes passed pilot-to-pilot, with the commensurate amount of growth in awe and severity; sometimes these are more-cautionary stories, told by the first-hand participants or observers with the appropriate degree of warning. Among my favorites-yes, there have been just a few in my flying days-are the ones of an honest innocence at work. But the moral of almost all of them is to be clear and complete in briefing passengers, novice and experienced alike. Its required by the FARs (see the sidebar), and you just may avoid becoming a subject of a tale of an errant passenger trick gone bad.

Key Takeaways:

• Pilots frequently encounter "errant passengers" who, due to inexperience with general aviation aircraft, can inadvertently create safety issues through unexpected actions.
• Examples of passenger mishaps include opening doors mid-flight, accidentally changing radio frequencies, or manipulating flight controls during critical phases.
• A comprehensive passenger briefing, covering expectations, conduct, and explicit instructions on what not to touch, is crucial to prevent these incidents.
• Pilots are legally required by FAA regulations (FARs) to provide thorough passenger briefings, which is essential for ensuring a safe and smooth flight experience for everyone.

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