Children?

[Supersport]

Evening all...

I have question for all you parent pilots out there, or anyone that might have some advice for me.

At what age would say it would be suitable for a very young child to travel safely in say a PA28-181?

I have been flying around now for about 3 years, but have yet to meet any experienced(ish) pilots who have very young kids. The reason I ask is that little Supersport is currently only 15 months old... walking, almost but not quite talking and I have been considering the idea of going on a 'flying holiday' either this year or next. Obviously, I would be flying with Mrs Supersport too, so wouldn't just be me and the boy. :) Any advice would be much appreciated.

[NinjaBill]

15 months is easily old enough. Just use a car seat, nd get some child size ear defenders. they will probably fall asleep before you climb through 1000ft

[ShyTorque]

Be aware that children's ENT departments aren't fully developed so they may be more likely to experience ear / sinus problems if taken to any altitude in an unpressurised cabin.

May I suggest you post this on the medical thread as the docs might be quicker to see it?

[Fright Level]

they may be more likely to experience ear / sinus problems if taken to any altitude in an unpressurised cabin

I'm not a medical professional but I'd argue that 0-10,000 feet would be OK but it's the rate of change that is extremely important to an infant or an over 50 year old pax. Keep the rate to 500 fpm or less and you should be OK.

[NinjaBill]

NB nephew had his first go age 2, and took flying very seriously, but enjoyed it once he was in the air

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/geoffhill/flying/Image011.jpg

[ShyTorque]

Yes, ROD is a factor. Having been grounded for nearly a year myself for this type of problem early in my career and having had two sinus operations to relieve the plumbing, I became well aware of it.

However, the first 10,000 ft are where the greatest change in air density occurs. Most airliners keep a cabin altitude below that.

The reason some young children yell on climb and descent is because of severe ENT discomfort. As they are more prone to ENT conditions than adults, I would get professional advice before flying a very young child for the first time.

[skydriller]

SD Jr first flew in a light aeroplane with me at 2 years old. First flight was a 10-15 minute extended circuit/joyride with another adult (his Grandad) to see how he liked it......and he loved it!! He wears a normal Headset so he can talk and hear me easily, yet it protects his ears from noise. As for Altitude/Ear considerations, would you fly commercial with him, as we all know the cabin altitude isnt kept at sea level is it?

Due to where we and his French grandparents live, it takes 30mins to visit them by aeroplane and about 2.5hrs in the car, and so a regular trip is to go and visit them. Despite Mrs SD really hating to fly, we've done a couple of trips there all together as a Family, but generally he flys quite happily with me all by himself, though we have not done a flight longer than an hour or so, so far.

He is now 6 (wow, doesnt time fly!!) and we are contemplating flying to the UK this summer holidays to visit his UK Grandparents - just me and him. This will be a biggie for me/us as its at least 4 hours flying and includes a channel crossing...

Regards, SD..

[Nibbler]

My 2 and 4 year old have flown with me a number of times and twice on longer trips. All below 5,000ft and they had no problems at all.

Obviously gentle handling, a sick bag and having another adult aboard are fair suggestions.

Have a great fllight! :ok:

[yawningdog]

1 year & 10 months old. Slept all the way. No problems with ear popping etc. Slow climb & descent to FL65. He was much less happy when we took him on a commercial flight.

http://www.yawningdog.co.uk/Site/Albums/Album1/Large/11.jpg

[skydriller]

Obviously gentle handling, a sick bag and having another adult aboard are fair suggestions.

For the first trip maybe, then you know if they like it....

Another thing about the proposed trip of mine to the UK is that SD jr gets bored now by more than about 4-5 mins of straight and level.....

all I hear is
"can we play with that cloud over there" or
"can we go sideways again" or
" can we go and see that boat/tractor/lorry etc.."

the latest being...."can I have a go now...":eek:

...Im telling you, anyone following one of my flights would think I had had a few too many with my less than direct progress...:ouch::hmm:

Regards, SD..

[Sam Rutherford]

I first took my daughter flying at 3 months. She is now 6 and gets as bored in the plane as she does in the car (which I reluctantly accept is probably a good thing).

Sam.