Taking 7 year-old flying.. anyone help?
 

Was thinking about taking my 7 year old son for his first flight - he is mad keen to go and I'm pretty sure he'll be OK, ex-wife is OK with it but wants someone who isn't flying to be with him on his first flight, in case he panics.

Problem is I only have a 2 seater (Europa).

So this is a request for help:) Anyone in the Yorks/Lincs area with a 4 seater who could take me and my son in the back for a short local flight, maybe half an hour max? Cost paid of course. Tomorrow sometime maybe? PM if poss, many thanks.

Can't help on the aeroplane - one question though.

Have you considered the headset? "Standard" ones don't fit smaller heads too well - this can greatly reduce the protection offered. I also seem to recall being told childrens hearing is more easily damaged by prolonged exposure to loud noises.

When I took my niece and nephew flying I got hold of: Avcomm AC-250 for them.

OC619

First flight
 

Michael
Just a thought, the forward view from the back of most 4-seaters is not that good. I prefer to see where I'm going.
I'm sure your worries are un-founded. Most young-uns are bomb-proof when it comes to flying.
I'd just get on with it in the Europa, but make sure he's sitting on enough cushions so he can see where he's going.
Be warned, it may take several days to get the smile off his face !

david

I would do David, as unfortunately though I'm happy to give it a go, the ex is not:( And as has been covered in other threads, they can make things pretty difficult for you, even if strictly speaking, the decision is not theirs.

As for the headset, we've tried that and it seems OK.

Whether he ends up sitting in the back or up front, you want to make sure he can see out. Don't forget to take a cushion for him!

Sounds like she said "yes" but really means "no".

Women can be like that sometimes. Not just when they become exes :}

I firmly remember when I bought my plane "go ahead and do exactly what you want..."

I learned too late that it was a dare, not permission... :=

Went ahead and did it, as I expected he was fine and really enjoyed it, though he was slightly concerned on final approach and asked if we had a parachute to slow us down on the runway! He recently watched the space shuttle landing:)

Glad to hear it! I took my 7-year-old daughter up for a flight on Saturday morning and she loved it too (though I think she was a little afraid she might fall out every time bank exceeded 15 degrees).

I felt a huge weight of responsibility, though, taking my kid up - or was that just me?

You could do a taxi first with him. See what happens, if he's acting normal like looking outside etc.

Once you take off and he says he's scared just tell him to close his eyes.

Normally they don't realize the danger, and they really don't care.

Good luck.

I took my 6 year old son in my motorglider a couple of months ago. Installed the car kid seat next to me..He was having a great time..and answering all my questions with "roger over..";). Check during taxi how he feels and be prepared for a short flight in case he panics..;-). I understand your feeling of responsability ..had the same ..:)

Michael

I am sure your Kid is as good as gold :E I had to take someone elses kid up front in a twin who was known to be a terror.

The type who would grab something like the mixture leavers and pull them back in a flash when you were not looking.

I looked him in the eye with a mean look and told him if his hands moved half an inch I would grab him and chuck him out of the dooor while with the other side of my face smiling at his doting parents in the back :E he was as good as Gold .:D

Pace

Took BabyEagle flying first time when he was 3 months old, mother on board of course.

Since then I've taken him up many times, mostly brief flips but also a couple of 2 hour flights.

Now he is nearly eight. Unless we are travelling I only take him when he asks to go flying, just us two.

He sits RH, a cushion so he can see outside, and when in cruise is allowed hands on.

I always feel the responsability more when flying together, and never have him up front when flying a complex.

edited for spelling