PearlPilot

Over the last two years, I have observed that most people are just scared of the idea of taking a ride in a small airplane. I have heard accounts of people not being able to sleep the night before, and canceling on me the day of (by coming up with a fake excuse or leaving a voice mail, text etc.), to even just plain refusing to go up. I was a little annoyed at this and have simply stopped asking people to go along flying. I feel like by refusing to go up, they disrespect not only the pilot, but aviation in general. People also have made comments like, boy you must have a death wish or just because the plane has only one engine the chances of survival are grim etc. We as pilots are doing something that requires a great deal of discipline, practice, and constant learning, and it is beyond us to explain all we have to go through to make safe flights. I feel like these people view us as daredevils and would rather watch us "risk our own lives" rather than being a part of it.
Having said that I have flown with a few individuals who absolutely love the idea of a small plane and have been totally relaxed throughout the flight. Maybe I am just not surrounded by more people like this or am I right in saying that "most" people are indeed afraid of taking a flight in a small airplane?

Cubdriver

I have had all types aboard but the most enthusiastic ones tend to occur at drop zones. They will pay the fee just to come back down with the plane. I always think it's funny because it's not an amusement park ride but they definitely see it that way. The worst passenger I ever had was a young kid who just wasn't ready to get off the ground. Poor thing started crying profusely about half way through the ride and couldn't stop. As far as rider attitudes, you learn pretty fast not to solicit passengers unless they already want to go and they specifically make a mention of it. I have never taken my mother up for example. I also have never asked a romantic date if she wanted to go for a ride- I already know the answer without having to ask.

mmaviator

Just a note about nervous passengers being dangerous(not all of course). Heard of a very nervous guy passenger that went up flying with a female pilot. I'm sure you know where this is going....the guy got so anxious/scared/bananas that he took the controls and put the plane into the ground. On the other hand, I agree with what Cub said. You have to wait for the right ones that 'want' to fly.

jungle

It depends on your mindset. For most pilots and many others it is hard to understand the fear going on in the minds of those not familiar with aircraft, or boats, or firearms, or philosophy, or a host of other things in life. There is a certain reason to fear many things and a certain reason to understand the false basis for fear in many things.

We fear what we do not understand. That fear can be extreme and without any basis in fact, but it is as real and firm as concrete.

Twin Wasp

I wouldn't say they are disrespecting you or aviation. As Jungle said, people fear the unknown. It's one thing to say, "Yeah I'll go for a ride with you" but when it turns into Saturday at 3pm "Well you know, Ol Miss is playing that day and..." People tend to want to not disagree with someone until they are put on the spot. Sort of like the girl that says "We should get together sometime" with the implied understanding "just not this century." I think they're saying yes to be polite, not thinking it will really happen.

jungle

Much of it also depends on your exposure to a particular risk. People drive a car within feet of each other at a closing speed of 140 MPH and think nothing of it, but don't really understand the odds or the qualifications of their fellow travelers.

We are all going to end up as a pile of bones in the end, some just enjoy the ride more than others.

Some of us revel in risk and some will do anything to avoid it. Some of us fear the risk of the mundane more than any other.

PearlPilot

I think I took a bit hard on those who rejected to ride with me. Because I love flying so much, it is only natural that I intend to share it with friends. But most of my friends happen to fear flying and it came out of my disappointment. I did fly with this meteorologist once and he absolutely loved it and was very relaxed. He was even inspired to start taking lessons one day! If only I could have more passengers like that. Hmm...Flight instructing might just do that!

In the end I do agree with you gents that people fear what they don't know. I was myself very concerned during the first few hours of my training. Loud engine, and exposure to foreign world, and of course turbulence can make one very uncomfortable...

USMCFLYR

I used to take this one guy flying who had terrible airsickness. He would be sick before we even got to the runway!
He would give it up though. He stuck it out through every flight even if he did spend half of the time with his head buried in the bag

As far as romance.......I wouldn't have one that didn't enjoy flying!!

USMCFLYR

PearlPilot

That actually happened to me not too long ago!

cardiomd

LOL. Join the club.

Next time any of you are in the back of even a big jet, take a look around at your fellow passengers during the takeoff roll. About 10% of people will be clutching the armrests and have expressions of terror on their face. Many more on non-frequent traveler routes / leisure routes.

I like "Jungle"'s musings on the matter. I would also add it depends on your exposure as a kid. My first ride in a small airplane was when one of my family members took me up in a 172 when I was maybe around 7 years old. I remember it like it was yesterday, and was far less frightened than I would be riding now with an unfamiliar pilot / aircraft.