I Learned About Flying From That: Seizing Control

Steven Davis

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 09:09 PM ET

Verified

** To see more of Barry Ross' aviation art, go
to barryrossart.com.**

Key Takeaways:

A Young Eagles pilot experienced a critical safety incident when a young passenger panicked during takeoff and grabbed the aircraft's yoke, leading to a dangerous pitch-up and stall warning at low altitude.
The pilot successfully regained control after physically intervening and then instructed the passenger to hold onto his shoulder belt for the duration of the flight, eventually landing safely.
The incident prompted the pilot to revise safety protocols, now requiring front-seat passengers to hold their shoulder belts during takeoff and landing, and emphasized the need for pilots to anticipate and have pre-planned physical responses to unexpected passenger panic.

See a mistake? Contact us.

I keep my Cherokee at Ramona Airport (KRNM) in Southern California and am actively involved with other pilots there in an organization that offers introductory flights to youngsters through a program called Young Eagles. It is a very worthwhile program that offers kids ages 8 to 17 the opportunity of a free introductory flight along with exposure to the aviation community and, ultimately, the joy of flying.

I have flown about 150 kids since I joined the Young Eagles. One of the selfish joys of flying kids is seeing their thrill and excitement about the entire process, from walk-around preflight to buttoning up and getting in the air.