Father's Day Flights and How to Make the Most of Them

Here are a few things to remember for when you're flying with family.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM ET

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Edited By: tccjeremy

The author and her father. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]

Key Takeaways:

Father's Day often brings introductory flights for dads, which can spark a long-term interest in aviation, sometimes leading to flight lessons years later.
When flying with a parent, it's essential for the pilot to clearly assert their role as Pilot In Command (PIC) to maintain authority and ensure passenger confidence.
For a smooth and positive experience with a non-pilot passenger, pilots should choose optimal flight conditions (e.g., early morning for calm air), provide thorough safety briefings using reassuring language, explain maneuvers, and plan an engaging flight route.

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With Father’s Day coming up, flight schools are bracing for an influx of intro flights for dads. You probably know someone who always wanted to fly, but life got in the way, so now his kids and spouse are making it possible for dad to take to the air, if only for one day.

Sometimes, if dad likes it enough and has the resources and time, it can lead to earning a certificate. Dad may not enroll in flight school immediately, but he may return to it later in life when the kids are grown and no longer his financial responsibility. I’ve had many learners who come in for lessons years after the intro flight. That’s how much of an impression that flight can leave on a person.