A First Flight For A General Aviation Passenger Is Vitally Important To The Life Of General Aviation

It seems like no matter what we do, general aviation remains in the doldrums. Organizations like EAA and AOPA have some great programs to get people interested in general aviation flying, and we at ANN fully support these programs, but there is more we can do.

General aviation can grow from the inside and the outside. Growing from the inside means encouraging people to become GA pilots through the organizational programs mentioned before. But the truth is, becoming a general aviation pilot is controlled as much from the prospective pilot’s personal needs and viewpoints as it is from an organized recruitment program.

This is where growing from the outside comes into play. Any time we encourage someone to simply fly along with us, or just visit the airport and look at the airplanes, the potential is growth from the outside. This person that we introduce to general aviation in the most casual way can gain a perspective and understanding of what it is we do. Even if they never move towards becoming a pilot, they can at least support us by not being negative towards general aviation. Of course, this doesn’t rule out that the simple action on our part might get a new person “hooked.”

When introducing general aviation to a non-flyer, there are some things that should be obvious but sometimes may be overlooked when they climb aboard our airplane for their first flight. For example, it’s pretty safe to say that most first time airplane passengers are not interested in what a snappy pilot you are. Things like turbulent air, steep turns, and stalls will not convince them that you’re the one they want to fly with. In case you think passengers haven’t been turned away by rides like this, you’re wrong!

An introductory flight should be calm, careful and well-planned. Involve them in what’s going on and even ask for their participation in locating traffic and listening to the radio. However, there’s a fine line between being informative and being scary. Most importantly, make sure they see, through your actions, how much fun general aviation can be. You need to show them how attainable it is to become a general aviation pilot. Remember, a first time flight needs to be fun and pleasurable, not a carnival ride.

Both the EAA and AOPA websites can provide valuable information for introducing people to general aviation.

(Photo above is a first time ride in a homebuilt airplane)

FMI: www.eaa.org  www.aopa.org