order no matter how funny the
story might be. Do not discuss
last night’s episode of Air Crash
Investigation. For example, if you’re
doing the trip in a V-tail Bonanza,
most certainly do not point out
that this is the type of aeroplane
that Buddy Holly was killed in!
And you can just about guarantee
they will ask the question “what if
the engine stops?” There is only one
answer regardless of the situation:
you will glide to a safe landing in a
paddock somewhere.
- Take into
account their state
If the person is having a tough time
at work, relationship issues or other
worries generating anxiety, postpone
the trip until they have dealt with all
that. Anxiety tends to breed more
anxiety, so they are unlikely to enjoy
the flight because they can’t see the
flower for all the bees. Even though
they may take an attitude of “let’s
get it over and done with”, the pilot
may have to make the call to not go.
72 First Flight
AUSTRALIAN FLYING March – April 2015
“Wonder turns to woe and
they are lost to flying forever.”
ABOVE: A swing around The Nut at Stanley, Tas, is a great idea
for a first flight, but perhaps pick a better day than this one.