The Art of Airplane Introductions
How to Make a Good First Impression with a Proper Preflight Inspection
By Tom Hoffmann, FAA Safety Briefing Magazine
“An airplane stands for freedom, for joy, for the power to understand, and to demonstrate that understanding.”
— Richard Bach, author
When it comes to introducing our friends and loved ones to the world of general aviation flying, there’s no better opportunity to make a good and lasting impression than during the preflight inspection. In addition to assuaging any fears or apprehension some passengers might feel about flying in a small aircraft, having them follow you through a sound preflight inspection can provide travelers with a truly hands-on approach to unraveling the mystery of flight. Arming them with some basic knowledge of airframe design elements and system functionality can go a long way in helping a flying companion feel more comfortable and more aware of what to expect during the flight. Let’s take a closer look at some ways you can make your next companion preflight both an enjoyable and educational experience.
Planning the Flight
The preflight planning process is something you’ll likely want to start with your passenger well before arriving to the airport. Go through the PAVE (Passenger, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures) checklist with them, and talk through the time and route of flight and whether any fuel or rest stops might be necessary. This is particularly important when traveling with young children (If you’ve ever taken a long road trip with kids, you know what I’m saying!)
Before you begin your walk-around inspection, point out safety concerns like any tripping hazards, sharp edges or protrusions, and staying a safe distance away from the propeller.
Hydration and nutrition are important for pilot and passengers, especially for fighting fatigue, so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. It’s also good to discuss what to wear — plan for attire that’s both comfortable and weather appropriate, including hats, sunglasses, and a blanket. If it’s more than a day trip, be upfront about baggage amount, size and weight limitations, and how you might need to distribute the weight of passengers and bags within the airplane.
Passenger, Meet Plane
Now that you have the planning logistics completed, it’s time to introduce your companions to your trusty aerial steed. For starters, you might want to consider reviewing a few essentials about the aircraft, including its type and some basic performance capabilities like cruising speed and range. Some non-flyers are understandably surprised, and maybe a little concerned, to realize the average GA aircraft is about 30 years old. Be prepared to explain how meticulous maintenance requirements (like an annual inspection) and FAA airworthiness standards allow planes to fly safely for many decades. You may even want to show them the documents that help keep your airplane in airworthy condition during the cabin-check portion of the preflight.
Before you begin your walk-around inspection, point out any safety concerns like tripping hazards, sharp edges or protrusions, and staying a safe distance away from the propeller. Be sure to show them the proper places to step or climb into the aircraft, where to avoid any leaning, pushing, or pulling, and how to operate the doors or canopy, both from the outside and the inside.
Read out loud your aircraft’s preflight inspection checklist and explain to your companion each item you’re inspecting, what you’re looking for, and why it matters. This gives you time to explain some of the aerodynamic principles and system properties that provide for a safe flight. Items like static wicks, trim tabs, pitot tubes, and even the corrugated construction of some flight controls may pique their curiosity. A more eagle-eyed companion might notice the slight twist in some wings, which gives you the chance to explain the safety benefits of wing washout.
Take the time to answer questions and provide basic explanations on how all of these items contribute to the flight. They’ll appreciate the insight, and for some nervous fliers, it may instill a greater sense of security and confidence knowing the great lengths taken to ensure safety before the engine even starts. Additionally, it’s a lot easier to explain some of these concepts on the ramp than in the much nosier and busier environment of the cockpit during flight. Just be sure not to let any of these explanations or personal conversations distract you from completing a thorough inspection.
Plane, Meet Passenger
With your walk-around completed, and your aircraft positioned for taxi, have your companion help you check that all safety covers, tie-downs, and wheel chocks are removed before entering the cabin. This might also be a good time to cover your safety briefing responsibilities per 14 CFR section 91.107. This regulation requires you to brief your passengers on how and when to fasten and unfasten seat belts and (if installed) safety harnesses.
There are several other components you’ll want to consider covering here too, including emergency equipment locations and exit procedures. We suggest using the SAFETY checklist, which covers:
Seatbelts 🗹 Review seat belt operation and how to adjust and lock the seats.
Air 🗹 Review how to open/adjust air vents and the location of airsickness bags.
Fire Extinguisher 🗹 Review its location and basic operation.
Exit, Emergencies, & Equipment 🗹 Include a review of door operation and exits.
Traffic and Talking 🗹 Review communication expectations and sterile cockpit.
Your Questions 🗹 Invite questions to help clarify any confusion.
Once your passenger briefing is done, proceed with your pre- and post-engine startup checklists and consider having your co-pilot companion help verify these items are completed. When the engine gets started and the radios are turned on, explain how the headsets operate, including volume control and how to best adjust the boom. If you have traffic and weather information available on a display or portable device, explain to them how it works and when to alert you if traffic is nearby. Let them listen with you to ATIS and tell them how this information gives you the basics on local weather and expected runway use.
Read out loud your aircraft’s preflight inspection checklist and explain to your companion each item you’re inspecting, what you’re looking for, and why it matters.
Once your passenger briefing is done, proceed with your pre- and post-engine startup checklists and consider having your co-pilot companion help verify these items are completed. When the engine gets started and the radios are turned on, explain how the headsets operate, including volume control and how to best adjust the boom. If you have traffic and weather information available on a display or portable device, explain to them how it works and when to alert you if traffic is nearby. Let them listen with you to ATIS and tell them how this information gives you the basics on local weather and expected runway use.
While taxiing and workload permitting, point out some of the taxiway and runway signs and markings along the way that help guide you around the airport and keep you safely separated from other operators. Have your companion also look out for other aircraft or any other possible hazards. Just be clear on how you’ll want your passenger to communicate with you both on the ground and in the air.
Preparing for Departure
As you get near the runway and enter the run-up area, give your passenger a heads-up on what’s involved during the before-takeoff checklist. Throttling up to 1800 RPMs while staring down at an airport fence 100 feet away might feel a bit unsettling for the first-timer. Some reassurance on how these steps aid in confirming the health of the engine may prove helpful. To keep them engaged while performing the run-up, have your passenger assist with noting the cylinder head temperatures or verifying proper RPM loss during the magneto and carburetor heat checks.
If everything checks out, you and your flying companion are now ready to enjoy your aerial adventure. Hopefully, these pointers can help pilots and first-time fliers alike better understand the importance of preflight responsibilities, identify some key focus areas, and highlight the need for open dialogue to properly set expectations for a safe and successful flight.
- Flying Companion’s Guide to GA, Part II, FAA Safety Briefing, Mar/Apr 2018
- AOPA’s Companion Co-pilot video series
- AOPA Air Safety Institute’s Passenger Safety Briefing video
Tom Hoffmann is the editor of FAA Safety Briefing magazine. He is a commercial pilot and holds an Airframe and Powerplant certificate.
