flying solo v flying with pax
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Lancashire & Florida
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Personally it depends on my mission, If I'm on a cross country I like to have someone riding along, If I'm just going up locally to blow some holes in the sky then I enjoy the solitude of being alone
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: LHBS
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Solo, even on cross country. I have plenty of interesting things to do, watch the landscape go by, find out where I am on the chart, listen to radio chatter, fiddle with engine power settings for economic cruise, trim and then trim even better - at my level, I don't get bored.
I am OK to take passengers, but after the compulsory family and friends flights, I am doing this for maximizing my own fun.
The only exception is for longer routes, where I am going with another pilot, sharing the cost. But it's outright dangerous, if he can't restrain himself and interferes with your PIC duties on a egular basis, so I am very selective with that!
I am OK to take passengers, but after the compulsory family and friends flights, I am doing this for maximizing my own fun.
The only exception is for longer routes, where I am going with another pilot, sharing the cost. But it's outright dangerous, if he can't restrain himself and interferes with your PIC duties on a egular basis, so I am very selective with that!
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Colchester
Age: 40
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flying solo v flying with pax
When I was a PPL, I always tried to take someone along, although if I was doing some exercises then I'd prefer a known aeronautically-experienced type who'd know what was going on and when to keep quiet.
It's all about sharing the madness and getting the other person to pay for lunch at the land-away after all.
I don't get too much of a choice about who comes along with me now I drive airliners...
It's all about sharing the madness and getting the other person to pay for lunch at the land-away after all.
I don't get too much of a choice about who comes along with me now I drive airliners...
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Oxford, UK
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The trusting innocence of your passenger. How tempting to show off your skill! I managed to persuade many friends and family to come with me in a glider, and did my best to be careful and responsible, and only once did one of my pax need a barf bag..... Don't forget, however, to have one handy.
Basic rule, never be ashamed to turn back if weather looks dodgy. Once, halfway there, had to rent a car in Texas to reach our destination. I had consulted with the latest forecast from Flight Service....said my passenger, "Couldn't you get another opinion?"
RVR in Austin about 500 feet. No thanks.
Basic rule, never be ashamed to turn back if weather looks dodgy. Once, halfway there, had to rent a car in Texas to reach our destination. I had consulted with the latest forecast from Flight Service....said my passenger, "Couldn't you get another opinion?"
RVR in Austin about 500 feet. No thanks.
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: at home
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Since gaining my PPL(A) I've flown mostly with pax. To be honest, I prefer it as its an extra set of eyes. I've yet to fly with another pilot though since I've had my license!
Sometimes I like to fly alone, but I like to fly with passengers. Why? For me, sharing my passion for flying with others is one of the biggest thrills I get from going up. Seeing your nephew/nieces face light up when you offer to take them flying is something you can't buy (even though you pay for it). 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: 23, Railway Cuttings, East Cheam
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Most of the time I'm going for a pub lunch or to visit some museum or other. Not much fun doing that on your own. Other times I like to do stuff I wouldn't do with a pax on board; slinging it round some cu on a nice summer day or flinging it down the dams run at 500' from persons, vessels and structures your honour.
I like to fly most of all with my flying buddy. We both know how each other operates and individual strengths and weaknesses. Plus we have the same sense of humour and mick taking of our skills or lack of, which as we are both ex RAF tends to be pretty blunt and brutal to outside ears but hilarious to us.
I like to fly most of all with my flying buddy. We both know how each other operates and individual strengths and weaknesses. Plus we have the same sense of humour and mick taking of our skills or lack of, which as we are both ex RAF tends to be pretty blunt and brutal to outside ears but hilarious to us.
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Maidenhead
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If I'm going on a cross country its sometimes nice to have a passenger. Although we've all worked hard to get our licenses, I'm still mindful of the fact I'm very lucky to be able to fly, and I like to share the experience with others. If I'm just doing circuits, stalling, PFLs etc then I prefer to be solo.
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: UK
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Going places it's good to have another pilot along in the back seat. You can share the flying / halve the cost if you each fly it one way. For aeros, having someone in the back seat makes pitch control lighter and more effective!
