Passenger Brief

RyanB

RyanB

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Yesterday evening I took my buddy and his fiancé flying. He's been flying with me a few times, but his fiancé had never flown in an aircraft, so it was her first experience.

I always do a passenger brief before every flight of the various things they need to know and what to do if any inflight abnormalities were to occur. It got me thinking of starting this thread to hear what some of you all do for any recurring passengers or first time flyers as part of your pre-takeoff briefing.

BTW, it's always exciting to see that ear to ear grin of a first time flyer and hearing them say "that was amazing!" :)
 
I tell them:
1) Don't touch anything unless I ask you to.
2) When we are taxiing, landing and taking off FAA regs require them to wear seatbelts. Since you're not going to stroll to the back of a C-172 to use the lav, keep it on.
3) When we're close to the airport (taking off, landing etc.) I need to be listening to the radio to hear about other airplanes. So please don't talk. If you see another aircraft close to the horizon, point. I'll tell you when we're out of the airport environment.
4) If for any reason we're have to land off airport-which has never happened to me-they are to open the door and keep it open. This keeps the frame from bending and trapping us inside. (I make this particularly light so as to not scare people.)
5) If they get uncomfortable for any reason, tell me. We can immediately return and get on the ground.
 
jsstevens said:
I tell them:
1) Don't touch anything unless I ask you to.
2) When we are taxiing, landing and taking off FAA regs require them to wear seatbelts. Since you're not going to stroll to the back of a C-172 to use the lav, keep it on.
3) When we're close to the airport (taking off, landing etc.) I need to be listening to the radio to hear about other airplanes. So please don't talk. If you see another aircraft close to the horizon, point. I'll tell you when we're out of the airport environment.
4) If for any reason we're have to land off airport-which has never happened to me-they are to open the door and keep it open. This keeps the frame from bending and trapping us inside. (I make this particularly light so as to not scare people.)
5) If they get uncomfortable for any reason, tell me. We can immediately return and get on the ground.
Click to expand...
Don't forget to tell them how to open the doors.
 
I have a full brief written out in my kneeboard. I usually pick and choose my PAX briefing based off my full brief. I also have a laminated passenger brief that I hand to my PAX in case they have any questions. I think sometimes it's good for them to have this stuff in writing because being in a small plane for the first time can be a little overwhelming.

Here's what I hand them. It's better formatted to fit on half-page but wasn't able to get the formatting to work right here.

Passenger Briefing

1. Plan for Flight
a. Destination
b. Expectations
i. Altitude
ii. Time en route
iii. Weather
iv. Turbulence
v. Temperature
vi. Points of Interest

2. Seatbelts, Seats, and Doors
a. Make sure seat is secure and in a comfortable position. The seat must lock on the rails
b. Adjust and secure seatbelts
i. Must be worn during Takeoff/Landing/Taxi
c. Doors must be closed and secured

3. Cabin Comfort
a. Headset use
b. Locate cabin climate controls and operation
c. Windows must be closed and secured prior to take-off
d. Locate cabin lighting

4. Sterile Cockpit
a. When I hold up my finger, it means I am listening or speaking on the radio. Please remain silent if I hold up my finger
b. During take-off and landing, please remain silent
c. Front seat passengers during take-off and landing:
i. Keep both feet on the floor away from the pedals
ii. Keep knees out of the way of the flight controls
iii. Keep hands on lap. If you need to hold onto something, hold onto your seatbelt or handles on the airframe. Do NOT grasp the flight controls

5. Passenger Condition
a. Advise me right away if you are feeling queasy.
i. If you are feeling airsick:
1. Focus on a fixed point outside the aircraft
2. Open cabin vents, get fresh air moving on your face
ii. I have airsickness bags with me always. Please let me know as soon as you feel queasy so we don’t have a big mess to clean up
iii. I will attempt to land as soon as practicable
b. Advise me about bathroom needs

6. Emergency Procedures
a. Exiting the plane/Door operation
i. Never exit the airplane with the prop spinning unless there is a fire
b. Fire extinguisher location and use
c. Emergency Locator Transmitter – Broadcasts a homing signal should anything happen
i. Stay with the plane
d. Emergency Frequency – 121.5
i. Tune the radio
ii. Switch the frequency from Standby to Active
iii. Push the button on the yoke to transmit

7. Be my Co-Pilot!
a. Scanning for traffic (not optional)
i. Please keep your eyes outside to spot traffic
ii. Focus briefly on one area and move to the next to better detect movement of other aircraft or birds
b. Checklists (optional)
i. Divided into sections, I’ll ask for a section (e.g., Pre-landing checklist)
ii. Read each item aloud and wait for my response

8. Any Questions?

LET’S GO FLYING!!!!
 
A lot of what is said above and probably more that will come. I say "just like when you're flying the airlines" a lot. I described slips, what they feel like and why I may use one from time.
 
jsstevens said:
I tell them:
1) Don't touch anything unless I ask you to.
2) When we are taxiing, landing and taking off FAA regs require them to wear seatbelts. Since you're not going to stroll to the back of a C-172 to use the lav, keep it on.
3) When we're close to the airport (taking off, landing etc.) I need to be listening to the radio to hear about other airplanes. So please don't talk. If you see another aircraft close to the horizon, point. I'll tell you when we're out of the airport environment.
4) If for any reason we're have to land off airport-which has never happened to me-they are to open the door and keep it open. This keeps the frame from bending and trapping us inside. (I make this particularly light so as to not scare people.)
5) If they get uncomfortable for any reason, tell me. We can immediately return and get on the ground.
Click to expand...
Mine is very similar. In the Cessna's, I also like to make mention that if their seat slides backwards, never grab the yoke. Always like to check that the seat is locked prior to anyone getting in, but nevertheless.
 
labbadabba said:
I have a full brief written out in my kneeboard. I usually pick and choose my PAX briefing based off my full brief. I also have a laminated passenger brief that I hand to my PAX in case they have any questions. I think sometimes it's good for them to have this stuff in writing because being in a small plane for the first time can be a little overwhelming.

Here's what I hand them. It's better formatted to fit on half-page but wasn't able to get the formatting to work right here.

Passenger Briefing

1. Plan for Flight
a. Destination
b. Expectations
i. Altitude
ii. Time en route
iii. Weather
iv. Turbulence
v. Temperature
vi. Points of Interest

2. Seatbelts, Seats, and Doors
a. Make sure seat is secure and in a comfortable position. The seat must lock on the rails
b. Adjust and secure seatbelts
i. Must be worn during Takeoff/Landing/Taxi
c. Doors must be closed and secured

3. Cabin Comfort
a. Headset use
b. Locate cabin climate controls and operation
c. Windows must be closed and secured prior to take-off
d. Locate cabin lighting

4. Sterile Cockpit
a. When I hold up my finger, it means I am listening or speaking on the radio. Please remain silent if I hold up my finger
b. During take-off and landing, please remain silent
c. Front seat passengers during take-off and landing:
i. Keep both feet on the floor away from the pedals
ii. Keep knees out of the way of the flight controls
iii. Keep hands on lap. If you need to hold onto something, hold onto your seatbelt or handles on the airframe. Do NOT grasp the flight controls

5. Passenger Condition
a. Advise me right away if you are feeling queasy.
i. If you are feeling airsick:
1. Focus on a fixed point outside the aircraft
2. Open cabin vents, get fresh air moving on your face
ii. I have airsickness bags with me always. Please let me know as soon as you feel queasy so we don’t have a big mess to clean up
iii. I will attempt to land as soon as practicable
b. Advise me about bathroom needs

6. Emergency Procedures
a. Exiting the plane/Door operation
i. Never exit the airplane with the prop spinning unless there is a fire
b. Fire extinguisher location and use
c. Emergency Locator Transmitter – Broadcasts a homing signal should anything happen
i. Stay with the plane
d. Emergency Frequency – 121.5
i. Tune the radio
ii. Switch the frequency from Standby to Active
iii. Push the button on the yoke to transmit

7. Be my Co-Pilot!
a. Scanning for traffic (not optional)
i. Please keep your eyes outside to spot traffic
ii. Focus briefly on one area and move to the next to better detect movement of other aircraft or birds
b. Checklists (optional)
i. Divided into sections, I’ll ask for a section (e.g., Pre-landing checklist)
ii. Read each item aloud and wait for my response

8. Any Questions?

LET’S GO FLYING!!!!
Click to expand...
While those are nice details, there is NO WAY a first timer will remember any of that.

I try to limit it to a few important things. How to use seat belts is mandatory. How to open/close doors. How to adjust the seats. Ask before touching controls (I'll usually say yes except during critical phases of flight). Speak up about comfort issues. Not that much more. It's a firehose of information already.
 
Brief explanation on where we are going / doing. Then:

-seatbelts
-emergency egress procedures
-smoking
-fire extinguisher location
-first aid kit / sic sac location
-PED usage
 
MAKG1 said:
While those are nice details, there is NO WAY a first timer will remember any of that.

I try to limit it to a few important things. How to use seat belts is mandatory. How to open/close doors. How to adjust the seats. Ask before touching controls (I'll usually say yes except during critical phases of flight). Speak up about comfort issues. Not that much more. It's a firehose of information already.
Click to expand...

For sure, which is why I pick and choose from that briefing. The only person who has received a full briefing is a non-pilot who wanted to 'help.' I like having everything outlined. Typically my briefing is about where not to put your hands, when to shut up, what to expect in terms of a ride, where we're going, and door operation. After I've gone over the basics, I'll hand them the laminated briefing if they want it. So far they've usually all wanted it and seem interested in reading it.
 
This is my briefing.... and I have it as part of my checklist I created for N55WB, C182P. You guys have my permission to use it in your activitys.

Passenger Briefing

Welcome aboard!
Purpose of the Flight, Route of Flight

S.A.F.E.T.Y.

Seatbelts & Seat

Seatbelt operation
Seatbelts must remain on at all times
How to adjust and lock seat
If seat suddenly slides back, do not grab yoke​

Air

Passenger Comfort, Air Vents, Heater
If a comfort item is needed, just ask!
Air Turbulence, bumps are part of the ride and normal, but I will do what’s possible to minimize
Air Sickness – Sic Sac location, tell me early if you feel airsick​

Fire Extinguisher

Location, When to use, How to use​

Exit, Emergencies, and Equipment

Door Location, How to latch, How to Unlatch
Emergencies – What to do, What not to do
I may ask for your help, but wait for me to direct you what to do
Evacuation & Emergency gathering point (mindful of propeller!)
Survival Equipment (if carried)
Supplemental Oxygen (if carried)​

Traffic & Talking

Traffic – Help look out for aircraft, keep your eyes on it until I say I see it.
Use the clock position, High/Low, Distance
Talking – During flight okay except when need to talk to ATC, listen for our tail#
Sterile Cockpit during departure and when approaching destination. But do continue to point out traffic.​

Your Questions?
Please ask any now or during the flight
Was there anything you didn’t understand?​

Passenger Safety Briefing Complete!! Let’s Go Fly!!​
 
And like MACKG said, it's difficult for them to remember it all, so I hit the main things, (talking, egress, fire suppression, comfort), but have the others ready if they ask a question that pertains.
 
And I have thought about putting passenger safety briefing cards in the back seat and rh side front pocket that are in the style of this famous computer lab sign

Blinkenlights-original.png
 
I have the same checklist Aggie Mike has. I generally ask the pax to latch and unlatch seatbelts and doors at least once.

I also try to keep first timers talking. If they suddenly get quiet, it's time to worry.

Most of my first timers are going to get a tour around the local area, so I tell them ahead of time what the route is going to be. I think it helps them get oriented.
 
All the previous stuff plus I go through things on the pre-flight. Tiger cowl opens completely, so I give them a general this is a 4 banger with redundancy with the mags which run even if all electrical off line that they are not alternator dependent once running.

I have note cards with the basic departure announcement for both runways already printed out and let them announce the departure (uncontrolled field). They practice that 5-6 times while taxiing out and then we go over the run-up.

My son was my first pax, several of the locals piped up that his radio work was better than his dad's :confused::eek: (pattern empty - they were in the FBO - CFI and friends). Not sure why, but first time pax love doing that announcement (I do all the other radio calls for those readers that want to chime in how dangerous this is - I also don't have them do it if the pattern is full or if jump activity is going on).
 
labbadabba said:
Keep hands on lap. If you need to hold onto something, hold onto your seatbelt or handles on the airframe. Do NOT grasp the flight controls.
Click to expand...

From an instructional standpoint, it is always better to tell someone what you WANT them to do and to avoid telling them what NOT to do. Ive done a buncha instruction (mainly firearms and skydiving) and had a few instructor courses. Some people tend to remember what you tell them NOT to do better than what TO do. You don't want to find out you have that person on takeoff or landing.

I had a few of them on skydives. It aint fun. I learned pretty quick to always tell them the positive, not the negative.
 
Someone once gave me this tip: instruct them not to grab the yoke if the seat moves.
 
Sometimes the sight of that rwy coming up in the windscreen during a landing gets some nervousness started. It's a perspective they have probably never seen.

I did have one guy ask about the stall horn when we landed, I forgot to tell him about it. He didn't jump or grab anything, but I think it did startle him. If I remember now, I add that to the "what to expect" briefing.
 
Matthew said:
Sometimes the sight of that rwy coming up in the windscreen during a landing gets some nervousness started
Click to expand...
I've seen this too. Add to it the negative deck angle. -5° isn't much, but noticable enough I've seen them tense up a bit.
 
It will be a while before I can have passengers but...

Reading a book written by a pilot he had a great suggestion (even as a pilot he found out by being a passenger when the pilot did this) about on the ground not just asking "how do you feel?" But instead "on a scale from 1 to 10 how are you feeling?" Then up in the air from time to time the same question lightly asked "so from 1 to 10 how are you right now?"

He himself had fealt a little quesy on the flight. If he had been asked how he felt would have said "fine" but noticed he answered a lower number, and then both the pilot and the pilot-passenger realized he was starting to feel bad.
 
I go over the basics, seat belts, my emergency plan if we have problems on roll out/climb out and their responsibility which is just to open the door before "landing off field" (I don't like to use crash), don't talk when we are near the airport (I'll let them know when I need them to be quite), and let me know if they see other planes.

The only other thing I like to do is to give them a comparison to flying on airliners if they have never been in a small plane. I tell them the airliner is like a big bus going down a highway and that the small plane is sometimes more like driving a car down a dirt road with some bumps here and there. Just like there's bumps in the road, sometimes there are little bumps in the air but it's nothing to worry about.
 
My youngest daughter was one of my first passengers. We were on a winter sightseeing flight. She was pretty quiet the whole time. Afterward I asked her how the flight went. She said, "OK, but it was really cold." Turns out an air vent was open and blasting her the whole time. I asked her why she didn't say anything about it and she said, "I've never been in a small plane before so I thought that was normal. I didn't want to seem like a complainer."

I haven't forgotten that lesson.
 
George Mohr said:
Someone once gave me this tip: instruct them not to grab the yoke if the seat moves.
Click to expand...
That's important on older Cessnas, as it's possible for the seats to be partially latched or unlatched. I generally ask passengers to do the "Cessna Butt Wiggle" during the run up (where the checklist calls for seats and seat belts), and instruct them that the seat won't go far, and just let it.
 
Matthew said:
My youngest daughter was one of my first passengers. We were on a winter sightseeing flight. She was pretty quiet the whole time. Afterward I asked her how the flight went. She said, "OK, but it was really cold." Turns out an air vent was open and blasting her the whole time. I asked her why she didn't say anything about it and she said, "I've never been in a small plane before so I thought that was normal. I didn't want to seem like a complainer."

I haven't forgotten that lesson.
Click to expand...

Matthew said:
Sit down, strap in, shut up.
Click to expand...

Well, ya know ...
;)
 
I keep it very brief . Show them how to work the seatbelt/seat, mention fire extinguisher location and that in an off field landing pop open the door. Other than that I'll just converse with them make sure they are having a good time and and answer questions as needed. No need for a big list of things imho
 
labbadabba said:
I have a full brief written out in my kneeboard. I usually pick and choose my PAX briefing based off my full brief. I also have a laminated passenger brief that I hand to my PAX in case they have any questions. I think sometimes it's good for them to have this stuff in writing because being in a small plane for the first time can be a little overwhelming.

Here's what I hand them. It's better formatted to fit on half-page but wasn't able to get the formatting to work right here.

Passenger Briefing

1. Plan for Flight
a. Destination
b. Expectations
i. Altitude
ii. Time en route
iii. Weather
iv. Turbulence
v. Temperature
vi. Points of Interest

2. Seatbelts, Seats, and Doors
a. Make sure seat is secure and in a comfortable position. The seat must lock on the rails
b. Adjust and secure seatbelts
i. Must be worn during Takeoff/Landing/Taxi
c. Doors must be closed and secured

3. Cabin Comfort
a. Headset use
b. Locate cabin climate controls and operation
c. Windows must be closed and secured prior to take-off
d. Locate cabin lighting

4. Sterile Cockpit
a. When I hold up my finger, it means I am listening or speaking on the radio. Please remain silent if I hold up my finger
b. During take-off and landing, please remain silent
c. Front seat passengers during take-off and landing:
i. Keep both feet on the floor away from the pedals
ii. Keep knees out of the way of the flight controls
iii. Keep hands on lap. If you need to hold onto something, hold onto your seatbelt or handles on the airframe. Do NOT grasp the flight controls

5. Passenger Condition
a. Advise me right away if you are feeling queasy.
i. If you are feeling airsick:
1. Focus on a fixed point outside the aircraft
2. Open cabin vents, get fresh air moving on your face
ii. I have airsickness bags with me always. Please let me know as soon as you feel queasy so we don’t have a big mess to clean up
iii. I will attempt to land as soon as practicable
b. Advise me about bathroom needs

6. Emergency Procedures
a. Exiting the plane/Door operation
i. Never exit the airplane with the prop spinning unless there is a fire
b. Fire extinguisher location and use
c. Emergency Locator Transmitter – Broadcasts a homing signal should anything happen
i. Stay with the plane
d. Emergency Frequency – 121.5
i. Tune the radio
ii. Switch the frequency from Standby to Active
iii. Push the button on the yoke to transmit

7. Be my Co-Pilot!
a. Scanning for traffic (not optional)
i. Please keep your eyes outside to spot traffic
ii. Focus briefly on one area and move to the next to better detect movement of other aircraft or birds
b. Checklists (optional)
i. Divided into sections, I’ll ask for a section (e.g., Pre-landing checklist)
ii. Read each item aloud and wait for my response

8. Any Questions?

LET’S GO FLYING!!!!
Click to expand...
It's like a multiple choice test. Has any passenger ever passed?
 
Wow, for most of my passengers, if I mentioned the words "fire extinguisher, open door to avoid getting trapped, or off-airport landing", I'd be flying alone.
 
In a mooney, at least, catch 'em BEFORE they slam the door. 'cause it's not a car door, and slamming won't help it close and could damage it.

I had the hot version of the cold pax. Guy sat there absolutely miserable for almost an hour before he saw me adjust my vent and was like "Oh, that's where that is."

Any checklist for young kids, like 10 or so? So many things I'd like to convey, but without overloading and WITHOUT scaring. For example:

* If you want to go back, for any reason, say so. No one will laugh and I won't ask why. You're in control.
* But, I can't just pull over like a car, once you tell me to go back, it might be a while before we're back.
* If you feel sick, it's ok. It could happen to anyone. But if you're going to throw up, please use one of these.
* If you get hot or cold, tell me. I'll help you fix it.
* It's ok to talk, but sometime I'll need to talk to other people on the radio. I'll let you know before I do that.
* Hey, this is cool... these seat belts don't work like a car. Watch me do mine. Ok, do yours. Cool. Just like in a car, we leave 'em on all the time.
* This door works different from a car too. Let me show you.

That's it. I'm sure I'll get disagreement, and maybe rightly so, but I can't imagine what else a kid would need or be able to retain. If there's a Problem, I'll brief on emergency procedures then. I have a feeling that'll just scare without retention.
 
For me it's seat belts, fire extinguisher location/operation, how to unlock/slide the canopy, and where the Life Hammer is in case we flip in an off-airport landing. (Usually the plexi breaks when you flip, but good to have the tool just in case).

I also tell them that in case I'm incapacitated, hold down the radio's flip/flop button for 5 seconds to call up the emergency frequency...then declare an emergency and get vectors to someplace with long runways like Chino or Ontario.

Hey, they're riding in an Experimental aircraft built in a garage...what did they expect? :D:D
 
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