A good place to begin is with an answer to the question, �Is flying safe?� You can bet that most students are asked this question. With a cogent reply, your student can prevent or diminish a common misunderstanding about smaller airplanes. What�s the answer?
I like this response: �Given that nearly all general aviation accidents are due to pilot error, flying is as safe as a pilot wants it to be.� Bolstering this response with statistics�from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation, for example�gives it credibility.
You can bet your student-diplomats will also be asked what happens when the engine quits. They can point out that fixed-wing aircraft make thousands of landings daily without using an engine. These aircraft are gliders, which is what an airplane becomes when its engine stops working. Arm your diplomat-in-training with information about glide ratios, and why altitude is a pilot�s best friend.
The objective is to give your student ammunition to handle the verbal challenges he or she almost inevitably will face about aviation�s safety and practicality.
Help your student answer the non-flyer�s most common questions and you help others obtain a better understanding of why we fly airplanes. You�ll also help your student become a more educated pilot in the process.
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