Passenger view from the back seat of a GA airplane [Shutterstock]
Key Takeaways:
It is legal for a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to carry a passenger during a dual instructional flight, as the CFI serves as the pilot in command, despite restrictions on a student pilot certificate.
Having a passenger on board provides valuable learning experiences for student pilots, such as practical understanding of weight and balance, and can boost their confidence.
CFIs and learners should carefully select passengers, ensure they are not a distraction, and be mindful of their comfort by explaining maneuvers, especially with those new to aviation.
Observing a flight lesson can sometimes spark an interest in aviation for passengers, potentially leading them to pursue flight training themselves.
Are you in pilot training? Do you think it would help you learn faster if you flew in the back seat of the aircraft and observed another learner taking training?
For some people, observation can be a very effective tool. But there are rules you need to respect.
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Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.
![Passenger view from the back seat of a GA airplane [Shutterstock]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/httpswww.flyingmag.comsitesflyingmag.comfilesimport2015sitesallfiles_images201505tip-back-seat-thumb-1.jpg)
