Flying with Friends Who Aren’t Pilots: The Do’s and Don’ts

A general aviation pilot helps her passenger buckle in before takeoff. Thorough preflight prep and a friendly briefing go a long way to set nervous fliers at ease.

Taking a non-pilot friend up in your “little” airplane can be an incredibly fun and rewarding experience, if you do it right. Unlike seasoned flyers, your friends might not know what to expect from general aviation. By following a few key do’s (and avoiding some don’ts), you can ensure everyone has a great time in the sky. Here are some tips, delivered with a wink and a nod (in true Thrifty Pilot fashion), to keep your passengers comfortable, safe, and eager to fly with you again.

Do: Brief Them Before You Leap (and Don’t Skip the Preflight Talk)

Do take time before engine start to brief your passengers on what’s about to happen. Walk them around the aircraft during preflight and explain the “whats” and “whys” of your routine. For example, show them how you check the fuel, control surfaces, and weather, and encourage questions as you go. A quick orientation of the cockpit, belts, headsets, door latches, and not touching the “self-destruct” button (aka yoke or throttle), will help demystify the experience. Setting expectations on the ground (“We might feel a few bumps today” or “We’ll turn left after takeoff over the river”) lets them mentally prepare. Don’t drown them in complex aviation jargon or skip the briefing entirely. A little plain-English explanation (“That rumbling on takeoff is normal,” or “We climb slowly because we’re not a jet”) goes a long way toward calming jitters. Remember, a prepared passenger is a happy passenger.

Do: Set Realistic Expectations (and Don’t Overpromise Speed)

Before you even leave the ground, make sure your buddies know what they’re in for. Flying private is not like hopping on an airliner, and that’s part of the charm! Explain that your four-seat propeller plane cruises at maybe 120–130 knots (about 140–150 mph), not Mach 0.80 like a jetliner. In other words, traveling by Cessna or Cirrus will take a bit longer than an airline flight of the same distance. Build in extra travel time and under-promise on the schedule so you can over-deliver if things go well. If you estimate an hour flight, tell them it’ll take 1.2 hours; arriving 10 minutes early makes you a hero, whereas running late might fuel their “little plane” skepticism. Also set expectations about the service level: there’s no cabin crew, no bathroom, and the only in-flight beverage service is whatever you brought in the cooler. By being upfront about these differences, you avoid disappointing surprises. Don’t pretend your GA aircraft is a private jet capable of zipping cross-country in an hour. Embrace the fact that it’s a different experience, more scenic, more personal, but also slower and subject to weather. And please, don’t get upset if they call your pride and joy a “little plane.” To non-aviators, anything smaller than a 737 looks little (even that fancy bizjet on the ramp). Just smile and quip, “Yep, she’s little, that’s how we get big fun!”

Do: Fly It Like an Airline (and Don’t Thrill Ride Your Friends)

When it comes to flying with passengers, channel your inner airline captain: prioritize a smooth, gentle ride over showing off steep turns or skywarrior maneuvers. Plan your flight altitude and route with an eye for the smoothest air possible (e.g. avoid known turbulent areas or bumpy midday thermals). Once aloft, easy does it on the controls. Make coordinated, gradual turns and gentle climbs/descents so your friend isn’t grabbing for the “Oh, crap” handle. Think of yourself as an airline pilot choosing the smoothest altitudes for passenger comfort. Every little burble or quick jolt can feel magnified to someone who’s only flown on airliners, so aim to aviate like you’ve got a cup of coffee balanced on the glareshield. Don’t yank and bank! Sudden maneuvers or excessive bank angles can send your buddy’s stomach reeling (or just plain scare them). Even a routine shallow turn might feel extreme to the uninitiated, so give a heads-up (“Turning left to head south now”) and execute it slowly. And if you do encounter unavoidable chop or a gust that rocks the plane, reassure your passenger: “Totally normal, just a little bump”. Flying smooth and steady shows you’re in control and looking out for their comfort, which you are.

Do: Keep Communication Flowing (and Don’t Ignore the Quiet)

A huge part of keeping non-pilot passengers comfortable is reading their cues and communicating effectively. Encourage your friend to speak up anytime, whether to point out a cool sight or to say they’re feeling “off.” Meanwhile, keep an eye (and ear) on how they’re doing. Often, a happy or excited passenger will be chatty, asking questions or exclaiming at the view. A nervous passenger might also chatter nervously to cope. In contrast, if a usually talkative friend suddenly goes quiet as a mouse, consider that an early warning sign of discomfort or air sickness. As AOPA notes, if a talkative passenger stops talking or turns pale, they may be suffering from “aviation sickness”. In our world, silence can be suspicious!

So, do periodically check in: “You doing alright back there?” and really listen to not just their words but how they say it. Their tone or a forced “I’m fine” might alert you to brewing nausea or anxiety. If you get a weak response or no response, it might be time to cut the flight short or at least level off and give them a break.

Don’t ignore a quiet passenger and assume all is well, they could be one turbulence bump away from grabbing the sick sack. It’s much better to land at that nice little airport below for a few minutes than to press on with a green-faced friend in the right seat. On the flip side, also let them know when you’ll need them to be quiet. Before takeoff, brief your buddy that during critical phases (like takeoff or landing, or when you’re busy with ATC radio calls), you might go “sterile cockpit.” In plain terms, do ask them to hold questions or commentary at those times so you can focus. Most friends will understand, and it prevents a well-meaning “Look at that lake!” from coming at exactly the wrong moment. Keeping communication clear and timely, both to your passenger and from your passenger, will make the flight safer and more enjoyable for you both.

Do: Plan for Pit Stops and Fun Stops (and Don’t Stretch Your Limits)

One of the great advantages of personal flying is flexibility. Use it to your passengers’ advantage! Do design your flight with comfort in mind, not just A-to-B efficiency. That might mean planning a shorter leg or two instead of one long non-stop haul. Remember, the range of the airplane might exceed the range of the human bladder (or backside). In fact, it’s often better to fly shorter legs and take a break than to push through a long flight and have miserable, stiff passengers. A quick stop to stretch, use the bathroom, or grab a soda can work wonders. And if everything is going smoothly and everyone’s happy, you can always choose to continue on. Along the route, do include alternate airports or checkpoints as options. Having multiple divert-airport options isn’t just good airmanship for weather or emergencies, it’s great for impromptu breaks if your friend needs a breather. On that note, make the journey itself enjoyable: consider swinging by a cool landmark or their hometown en route so they can see it from above. Perhaps you can plan “Hey, there’s your neighborhood below!” or a circle around a point of interest to break up the trip. Boldmethod suggests showing passengers the route and pointing out landmarks they’ll see along the way. This gives them something to look forward to (“We’ll pass by the downtown skyline on the right in 5 minutes!”) and keeps them engaged. It’s hard to be bored or queasy when you’re busy spotting the baseball stadium or your college campus out the window. Don’t be in a rush, remember, we’re not on an airline schedule here. If your friend needs to land now because they’re not feeling well, do it. If you see weather ahead that could make the ride rough, divert or turn around. As PIC you have the freedom to adapt the plan, so use it generously to prioritize comfort and safety over sticking rigidly to some original timeline or route.

Do: Bring Creature Comforts Aboard (and Don’t Forget the Snacks)

Little things can make a big difference in your passengers’ comfort. Do pack some light snacks and drinks for the trip, nothing heavy or messy, just water or soda and easy crackers or granola bars to keep hunger at bay. Staying hydrated helps everyone feel better, especially in the dry air up high. Also, insist on that pre-flight bathroom stop for all involved. As one witty tip puts it: there are no pit stops in the sky! Always have everyone use the restroom before hopping in, because you’re not going to find a rest area at 5,500 feet. You’ll all be happier knowing there’s an empty bladder (and a relief tube or “travel john” handy if it’s a really long flight). Comfort also means temperature control. GA cabins can get toasty in summer and chilly in winter. Do plan ahead for the weather, bring an extra jacket or sweatshirt if it might be cold aloft, or a small battery fan if it’s a hot day on the ground. During hot months, consider flying in the cooler early morning or late evening hours when the air is smoother and temperatures lower (your passengers will thank you). In flight, keep fresh air flowing from the vents. Cool air not only feels nice, it helps prevent nausea, there’s a reason the saying “popsicles don’t puke” exists among pilots. In other words, a slightly cool cabin is preferable to a stuffy hot one if anyone is prone to motion sickness. So crack that air vent and maybe avoid turning your cockpit into a sauna. Don’t neglect these creature comforts thinking your friend will “tough it out.” A sweating or shivering passenger is an unhappy passenger. If the sun is blazing through their window, offer them a hat or reposition if possible. If engine noise bothers them, ensure their headset fits well (maybe carry earplugs as backup). The goal is to minimize distractions like thirst, hunger, heat, or noise so they can relax and enjoy the magic of flight.

Do: Add Enjoyment and Involve Them (and Don’t Force It)

Flying in a small plane should be fun, so find little ways to enhance the enjoyment. If your friend is game and conditions allow, you can even let them take the controls briefly at cruise, under your close guidance, of course. Many non-pilots get a huge thrill from simply holding the yoke and feeling the plane respond. A gentle, shallow turn on a calm day can boost their confidence (and give them bragging rights later). Just make sure you clearly instruct them and you stay hands-ready to take back control. Even if they don’t want to fly the plane, involve them in other ways: have them look out for other aircraft (“Let me know if you see any planes near us”), or allow them to operate simple things like turning on the runway lights at an uncontrolled field at night. Little interactive moments can turn a passive passenger into an engaged co-adventurer. Do point out cool sights, “Check out that lake down there!”, and consider playing some music if your intercom supports it and it won’t interfere with radio calls. A great playlist can really set the mood cruising over scenic terrain. Don’t go overboard, though. If your friend is nervous or prefers to just quietly look out the window, respect that. Not every passenger wants a full sightseeing tour or a flying lesson on their first ride. Read the room (or rather, the cockpit): if they seem overwhelmed, keep it low-key. The fun should be on their terms. Your job is to facilitate a good time, not force-feed it. When they step off the plane with a big grin and say “That was awesome!”, you’ve done it right.

Do: Be the Pilot in Command (and Don’t Compromise on Safety)

Finally, and most importantly, always remember who’s PIC. You are the Pilot in Command, and that means you have the final authority and responsibility for the flight’s safe operation. Showing your friends a good time never trumps safety. Do be ready to say “no” if anything (or anyone) is not safe to fly. Did your buddy insist on bringing along a huge cooler of beer for the trip? Sorry pal, that’s a no-go. Apart from the fact that alcohol and flying don’t mix for pilots, a backseat passenger cracking open a cold one at 3,000 feet isn’t a great idea either. Save the celebratory drinks for after you’ve landed. Likewise, if your friend wants to bring their uncrated Great Dane on board and you don’t normally fly with pets, you’re well within your rights to decline. A large, anxious dog loose in a tiny cockpit could become a major hazard. Stick to what you know is safe and manageable.

Don’t let peer pressure or a fear of disappointing someone push you into an unsafe situation. This includes everything from weather decisions (“I know you took the day off to fly, but the forecast looks sketchy, we’ll have to postpone”) to silly requests like “Can we buzz my house real quick?” or “Land in that field by my farm so we can surprise my family.” You might chuckle, but non-pilots sometimes have wild requests when they don’t know the rules. Gently educate them that in aviation, safety and regulations rule the day, you can’t just land anywhere or drop below legal altitudes just for fun. And if you personally aren’t feeling 100% (tired, ill, stressed), invoke the IMSAFE checklist and cancel the flight. It’s far better to disappoint a friend for now than to press on when you shouldn’t. The FAA’s own safety guidance emphasizes that good decision-making may mean saying “no” to a flight. True friends will understand that no (or “not now”) is the right call when safety is on the line.

In summary, flying with friends who aren’t pilots comes down to empathy, communication, and good airmanship. Put yourself in their shoes, this is all new to them. Explain what you’re doing and why, keep them comfortable, and pay attention to their needs. Plan the flight generously with extra stops and safety margins. By doing these things, you’ll not only have a happier passenger, but you’ll also find you enjoy the flight more as well. There’s nothing quite like sharing the joy of flight with someone for the first time and seeing their face light up at the view or the realization that “we’re flying!” Handle the do’s and don’ts right, and you’ll turn a nervous newbie into a frequent flying friend. Safe (and happy) flying!

Sources: Recent general aviation safety and training resources were referenced to reinforce these tips, including Boldmethod’s advice on comforting nervous passengers, AOPA’s safety briefings on passenger comfort and communication, and FAA-endorsed best practices for PIC decision-making. These ensure that the guidance here isn’t just friendly advice, but also aligns with industry recommendations and regulations for flying with non-pilot passengers. Enjoy the flight, and remember, popsicles don’t puke!