GA airplanes have redundancy of many critical systems, but the one pilot is still a potential single-point failure. We can offset that with whatever or whomever we have on hand.
How To Train a Drag-on
Having flown with right-seaters who possess no more pilot credentials than having a pulse, I can attest that a brief interview with the co-pilot candidate and few minutes of chatting and playing with buttons in the cockpit can turn dead weight into useful load.
Key Takeaways:
- General aviation pilots can mitigate the single-point failure risk of a solo pilot and reduce workload by effectively utilizing passengers, regardless of their prior experience.
- Passengers can be assigned various tasks based on their aptitude, ranging from basic duties like traffic spotting and catering to more advanced roles such as tuning radios, monitoring fuel, or assisting with GPS.
- Even non-pilots can be taught to hold the aircraft straight and level, and for qualified co-pilots, clear pre-flight communication on shared responsibilities and emergency duties is essential.
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