ScottK
Pre-takeoff checklist
I have a friend who has been asking to go up with me for quite awhile. Our schedules just haven't come together until this past Saturday. I told him I was going to do a little x-c (about 54 miles one way) and he was welcome to come along. He accepted and met me at the airport early Saturday morning.
The wx was cold (-2 C), but otherwise perfect. Light winds, 10+ vis and clear skies had me excited about the flight.
I told him to stay in the warm car while I pre-flighted. No sense in both of us freezing. He seemed fine with that.
We climbed in the plane and I gave him the passenger brief. Since it was his first time in a small airplane, I told him we'd do a loop or two around the pattern to make sure he was good with it. After one bumpy trip around the pattern, he said "I'm good, lets get out of here!". Awesome!
The air in cruise was super smooth and the visibility was great. He seemed to be really enjoying himself. I asked if he was ok once we settled in and he said he was, but that his feet were cold. No problem. I turned on the heat. What I hadn't noticed was the overhead wing vent (c172) was open and blowing directly on him.
Well, we continued on talking about the flying and other things. As we approached the other airport, he asked if we were stopping. I told him I was planning a t&g, but could stop if he needed to. Was there a problem? He asked if these planes were always this cold? I wasn't cold, but he was freezing. So at the other airport, I did a full stop. As I taxied back, I noticed the vent.
I felt really bad for not picking up on that earlier. I just hadn't noticed it. I think flying with other pilots all the time has made me a bit complacent with regards to passenger comfort. Other pilots know what to look for and what to expect. So for 35 minutes, I froze my friend solid.
The trip back was fine, but I now have something else to consider while I'm flying. The passengers and their comfort are my responsibility. I need to be more aware of that while flying. With the winter wx season upon us, keep an eye and ear on your passengers. Some of them won't say anything or not realize that the problem may be something small that is fixable while flying.
Have fun out there and stay warm!
The wx was cold (-2 C), but otherwise perfect. Light winds, 10+ vis and clear skies had me excited about the flight.
I told him to stay in the warm car while I pre-flighted. No sense in both of us freezing. He seemed fine with that.
We climbed in the plane and I gave him the passenger brief. Since it was his first time in a small airplane, I told him we'd do a loop or two around the pattern to make sure he was good with it. After one bumpy trip around the pattern, he said "I'm good, lets get out of here!". Awesome!
The air in cruise was super smooth and the visibility was great. He seemed to be really enjoying himself. I asked if he was ok once we settled in and he said he was, but that his feet were cold. No problem. I turned on the heat. What I hadn't noticed was the overhead wing vent (c172) was open and blowing directly on him.
Well, we continued on talking about the flying and other things. As we approached the other airport, he asked if we were stopping. I told him I was planning a t&g, but could stop if he needed to. Was there a problem? He asked if these planes were always this cold? I wasn't cold, but he was freezing. So at the other airport, I did a full stop. As I taxied back, I noticed the vent.
I felt really bad for not picking up on that earlier. I just hadn't noticed it. I think flying with other pilots all the time has made me a bit complacent with regards to passenger comfort. Other pilots know what to look for and what to expect. So for 35 minutes, I froze my friend solid.
The trip back was fine, but I now have something else to consider while I'm flying. The passengers and their comfort are my responsibility. I need to be more aware of that while flying. With the winter wx season upon us, keep an eye and ear on your passengers. Some of them won't say anything or not realize that the problem may be something small that is fixable while flying.
Have fun out there and stay warm!