A helping hand
Get your significant other in on the fun
A recent poll in AOPA’s Aviation eBrief asked readers, “What does the significant other in your life think about your flying?” An overwhelming majority—93 percent—responded positively: Their significant other was supportive but didn’t fly, or that they shared the love and now have their own certificate. Some 7 percent of pilots responded that their divorce was pending. (I’m so sorry for you.)
This brings up an important point. When you fly with your nonpilot loved ones, what is their role in the cockpit? Do they simply sit in the right seat and enjoy the view? Or do you involve them in the art and the process of flying?
There are a lot of things a nonpilot passenger could be doing to assist in the safety of the flight, and it’s a great idea to get them thinking about how they can help you out—beginning long before you get into the aircraft. Giving your passengers a job makes them feel useful, and they will probably enjoy the flight more. Not only will they be more informed, but they will also be truly vested in the experience.
The AOPA Air Safety Institute’s five-part video series, “Companion Copilot” is a step-by-step guide for both you and your frequent passengers. The series explains a few of the basics of the airplane, the weather, airspace, and regulations. For example, weight and balance considerations, navigation, communication on the radio, and what could happen in an emergency are just some of the topics discussed in the series. Armed with some of this basic aviation knowledge, your passengers will become active participants in the venture, rather than simply passive observers.
It begins with preflight preparation. What’s the weather going to be like? What equipment should I take? Where are the airsickness bags? What are the things to look for in a preflight inspection of the aircraft? Once in the aircraft, discuss what the lines painted on the airport taxiways and apron are for. What is the runup check? How do you steer?
When you’re ready to take off, it’s helpful for passengers to know what the gauges show (and what’s normal), how the yoke or stick works, and what button to push to communicate with air traffic control, if they need to.
One of the most important jobs that a nonpilot can help with is to spot other traffic both on the ground and in the air. I always tell my passengers that “four eyes are always better than two,” and if they see something they think I should be aware of, to say something.
You’ve probably discussed the route and destination ahead of time, and your passengers can follow along on your flight planning software and the in-aircraft GPS display. Most people love to know where they are on a map, and even more than that, they love to see places they know from the air.
Although in-flight emergencies are rare, why don’t you involve your passenger by going over the emergency checklists together, and show them how to use the on-board fire extinguisher? Assign roles before departing. If you do need to make an emergency landing somewhere, your own workload will be sky-high. Having an informed passenger at your side with clear tasks will hopefully keep them calm as they contribute to the mission’s success, and it will lighten your load, even if only a little bit, as you land the aircraft.
Information is power, and the more your passengers know about what is going on before and during a flight, the better their own situational awareness and the higher the safety of every flight. And, of course, the cooler the aviation adventure for both of you. 
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