Taking a friend or loved one on a flight is one of the joys of having your license. But not all passengers are as enthusiastic about flying as you are.
If you’re flying with a nervous passenger, here are some ways to put them at ease and make the flight more enjoyable for both of you.
(These tips also work for you if you are afraid of flying! We have a lot of students start taking lessons in order to overcome their fear of flying – and it works!)
Talk to them beforehand about how they’re feeling.
Your passenger might be afraid to tell you they’re nervous. They might not want to hurt your feelings or make you think they doubt your skills.
Before going anywhere near the aircraft, encourage your passenger to open up about how they’re feeling. Ask them if they have any questions, comments or concerns. Talking them through their worries shows that you’re knowledgeable and in control. This should calm their fears.
Remind them, “If at any point you’re not having fun, let me know and we will land.” This gives them a sense of control, and reminds them that they’re never far away from a safe landing.
Ask if they experience motion sickness.
Nothing puts a damper on flying like finding out mid-air that your passenger gets motion sickness!
Knowing your passenger gets queasy means you can be prepared ahead of time. Ask your passenger to avoid eating a few hours before flying, and avoid smoking. Pack ginger tablets to soothe an upset stomach. Keep the vents open to keep cool, fresh air circulating. Encourage them to take deep, slow breathes in through the nose and out through the mouth.
And of course, make sure they know where the airsickness bag is (just in case).
Go for short flights first.
Let your passenger come along for a short flight around the airport, or take them with you when you’re practicing pattern work. Aim for early morning or dusk flights with calm winds. This will help them get used to all of the sights, sounds and sensations (which can be overwhelming at first).
You can even let them hold the yoke so they feel like they’re part of the process. Just make sure they know not to touch anything without your permission!
Tell your passenger what you’re doing.
Narrate what you’re doing and why. This will calm their nerves so they know what’s going on. It can also provide enough of a distraction for them to forget what they’re worried about!
Also, if you’re performing any maneuvers, tell your passenger what to expect so they can be prepared.
Give them something to focus on.
If your passenger starts to get nervous, give them a small task like scanning for traffic or looking at your paper maps. This will keep their mind occupied, but will also encourage them to keep their eyes open. Closing their eyes can often make vertigo worse, so even if they are afraid, they should try to keep their eyes open.
Stay calm and be supportive.
Having a nervous passenger can make you anxious as well – don’t let that happen! Do your best to maintain a calm, positive, confident attitude. You know what you’re doing, and there’s nothing to worry about.
Don’t take your passenger’s attitude personally. It’s not that they don’t trust you. Human beings aren’t designed to fly, so it’s only natural for our minds and bodies to get nervous!
But most importantly, don’t let a nervous passenger distract you from being a good pilot. Keep your focus on the task at hand – flying the plane!