Stop Scaring Your Passengers

One of the more common complaints heard when pilots gather is that someones spouse and kids wont fly with them or dont like flying in little airplanes. The person issuing the lament insists he (its almost invariably he) cant figure out why. Often the reason is he has scared the bejabbers out of his family members at least once and has displayed absolute cluelessness when it comes to making the flight an enjoyable experience.

rdurden

Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Pilots often inadvertently scare passengers by failing to communicate properly about standard flight procedures (e.g., using checklists, engine noise changes, or running a fuel tank dry), which can be terrifying for those unaware.
Passenger comfort is frequently overlooked, with pilots prioritizing efficiency over smooth rides (turbulence), exhibiting anxiety-inducing habits (fiddling with controls), or neglecting basic needs like restrooms and motion sickness.
To ensure an enjoyable experience for passengers, especially family, pilots should treat them as VIPs by prioritizing clear communication, proactively addressing their comfort needs, and making conservative flight decisions from the passenger's perspective.

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One of the more common complaints heard when pilots gather is that someone’s spouse and kids won’t fly with them or “don’t like flying in little airplanes.” The person issuing the lament insists he (it’s almost invariably he) can’t figure out why. Often the reason is he has scared the bejabbers out of his family members at least once and has displayed absolute cluelessness when it comes to making the flight an enjoyable experience. In some cases, the things the pilots do are perfectly safe, but they don’t realize that their passengers don’t understand what is happening and get scared.