From the Left Seat

Although I write this in Delaware, I hope to join you for the April gathering on April 30th. As we get closer to our Young Eagles events, I thought I would offer some suggestions for conducting a successful Young Eagle flight. I know there are many of you who have given more YE rides than I have, and may have even more suggestions.

The excitement of the youth that are preparing to go for a ride comes in many different ways. They will probably remember this day for the rest of their lives. I remember a sullen young man in a hoodie and I was glad he had to take his hood down to put on the headset. He ended up having one of the best experiences of all the kids that day.

Before arriving at a Young Eagles rally, take a little time to prepare your aircraft. Weight and balance should not be a major factor, have enough fuel so you don’t have to refuel before the end. Take some cushions that might be needed, and don’t forget the airsickness bags. I have learned the bag needs to be opened and ready before it is needed. Although I’ve never had to use one, it made sense to me.

Once you’ve been paired with your Young Eagle, find out what experience, if any, they have had in a small airplane. As you are doing your walk around, show the control surfaces and explain how they work. Brief them on where to step and where to grab before they start to get in. I always tell them I will close the door, but brief them on how to open it. Don’t forget FAR 91.519 passenger briefing which includes no smoking, use of belts and shoulder harnesses, exits, and survival equipment.

Once in the cockpit, narrate your actions as you start the airplane, taxi to the runway, and take off. Once airborne, be attentive to your passenger’s comfort. Try to be as smooth on the controls as you can, and limit banks to 25 degrees or less. After you level off offer to let them fly. If they would like to take the controls, encourage them to look out the window instead of staring at the instruments. After they’ve flown a little bit ask them if they would prefer to continue flying or just look around. Have good situational awareness and listen for and make radio position reports. When returning to the airport explain the landing procedures such as the traffic pattern and warn them if you are equipped with a stall warning horn.

After shutdown, share in their excitement (or not). This may be a good time to get pictures. We don’t take pictures of the kids but you can use their phone to take their picture. As you get back, give a quick briefing of the flight to the parents or guardians. Remember no job is finished until the paperwork is done!

Now celebrate what a great human being you are! And thanks for helping EAA430. If you have never flown Young Eagles, please consider doing it. It’s a really good group of pilots – and you may find a new friend.