Some flights before taking PAX
I agree with other posts; PAX can be hard work and if they are very nervous they can make you nervous as well.
Suggest frequent reassurance that all is OK if there is any turbulence.
Regarding when, my suggestions are:
- fly your QXC again, but on your own - nice to enjoy and relatively relaxing
- work out where you will be taking PAX on your first trips with them, then fly exactly the same on your own a few times first. It will all then be familiar, you know what to point out when/where for their interest and makes the extra mental workload of carrying PAX relatively easy.
One thing on the briefing: sterile cockpit (their silence) on take-off until I say it is OK to talk: usually 1,000ft AAL (unless of course they see something I clearly haven't); plus within 2nm of the join until clear of the runway after landing.
While in the air I tell them that if I quickly raise my right hand they must immediately stop talking, as it will be ATC on the radio or I need to talk to ATC (or think!).