Yay!
Great, you’ve passed your flight test and can now carry a passenger. With this new possibility comes some extra responsibility.
General safety
Before you get near the plane describe how your passenger should behave on the airfield. Stress the dangers of propellers and aircraft. Ensure that your passenger is aware that they cannot just wander around the airfield and should accompany you to the aircraft. Be aware if they get their phone out to start taking photos as they will usually go to the front of the aircraft.
Prop area
There have been accidents where passengers get out of the plane and have walked into a spinning prop. Take the passenger to the front of the plane before getting in and explain that the whole area is a no-go area. When inside the plane, remind them of that conversation and brief them that when they get out, emergency or not, they should go to the tail of the plane.
Seats and harnesses
If seats are adjustable, it is important to check that seats are locked in position. Accidents have occurred due to seat movement during acceleration and pitch changes during takeoffs and landings. When the seat suddenly moves too close or too far away from the controls, the pilot may be unable to maintain control of the airplane. Similarly, if a front seat passenger’s seat suddenly moves, the passenger may grab the controls.
If the range of motion of an adjustable seat is inadequate, cushions should be used to achieve the proper seating position.
When the pilot is comfortably seated, the safety belt and shoulder harness (if any) should be fastened and adjusted to a comfortably snug fit.
The shoulder harness must be worn at least for the takeoff and landing, unless the pilot cannot reach or operate the controls with it fastened.
The pilot should ensure that the passenger is briefed on how to fasten and unfasten his/her safety belt and, if installed, shoulder harness. This should be done before starting the engine, along with a briefing on the proper use of safety equipment and exit information with a demonstration if required.
Passenger briefing
The pilot should conduct a passenger briefing including the use of safety belts, adjustable seats, shoulder harnesses, doors, passenger conduct, sterile cockpit, propeller blade avoidance, and emergency procedures.
Using exits, emergency equipment and safety belts
Unlike an airline flight, there might not be anyone there to help your passenger operate the exit and emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and locator beacons. Spend extra time making sure the passenger is comfortable.
Full flight control deflections
With your passenger sitting in the front seat, show them how far back the control stick or yoke travels at full-deflection. The last thing you want is for their seat or body position to interfere with flight controls when you need them.
Communications check
When everyone is fastened in, the engine is started and headsets are on, do a communications check to make sure you can hear one another. This is very important as your passenger can help with aircraft traffic spotting or letting you know if they feel ill.
The sterile cockpit concept
With the passenger connected to the intercom with you, keep them aware of times when a conversation is appropriate vs. distracting.
Looking for other traffic
Tell the passenger to point out other aircraft – they may not realise it is your responsibility to see and avoid other traffic. Cover the importance of look-out and encourage reporting any sighting of other aircraft. Describe the clock code and give some examples.
Prevent motion sickness
Small airplanes are susceptible to turbulence. Let your passenger know how to stay comfortable, like looking outside toward the horizon instead of focusing inside the cabin.