Remember the memorable flight that got you hooked on aviation? Hopefully you’ve had a chance to pay that forward, and helped to get a younger generation interested in flying. Don’t overlook the older generation of pilots, however. At some point most pilots will ground themselves, either because of health issues or concerns about health—the latter may well be unfounded. And the fact that they’ve decided to no longer fly as pilot in command most assuredly does not mean these men and women would not love to go flying. Especially a veteran.
Assess the mobility and flexibility of these potential passengers, and compare it to your available airplane(s), when you extend an invitation; being asked to come fly, then finding out at the airport they cannot climb into your winged steed, would be a huge disappointment. Most should find a high-wing Cessna easy to enter and exit (a Cardinal would be best of the best). Climbing into a low-wing Piper or Mooney could be more challenging, while something such as a Piper Cub or a Stearman may essentially be impossible.
How long has it been since your passenger last was in a cockpit? Treat the adventure as your passenger’s first flight, especially if it’s been awhile since his or her last cockpit visit. Color moving maps, if you have one in the panel, may prompt a flood of questions.
If you’re comfortable with it, offer the controls once you’ve reached an appropriate altitude. For many pilots, the basic airmanship comes right back—“just like riding a bicycle”—but be prepared in case it doesn’t.
Your act of kindness, even if it’s to an older pilot you don’t know well, will be appreciated, remembered, and treasured. You’ll be rewarded by the satisfaction of that knowledge, and quite possibly with some fascinating stories of aviation in an earlier era.
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