Getting a private pilot’s license is an awesome accomplishment for somebody at any age. One of the first things many new pilots want to do is take their friends or family up for a flight and show off what they’ve learned. Some passengers love the experience— others, well, they discover some new fears they never knew they had.
One of the most common questions a new pilot receives from passengers is “Can I fly the plane?”. Often, the pilot will say yes, but what are the actual regulations regarding this?
Can a private pilot let passengers fly? The short answer is yes. There is no regulation stating otherwise, and as long the pilot maintains complete control and responsibility for the aircraft, they may allow passengers to manipulate the flight controls.
Basically, a pilot-in-command is responsible for everything that happens during the flight. If they feel they can maintain control of the aircraft then it is no problem for a passenger to fly around a little. Some factors the pilot will consider first are:
- Altitude- Is the plane high enough above the ground for the pilot to regain control in the event of an unexpected stall
2. Traffic- Is the area relatively free of air-traffic? Is this near any military aircraft flight path?
3. Airspace- Some airspace requires adherence to several specific rules about speed, altitude, and radio procedures. Uncontrolled airspace is most likely the best place to allow a passenger to fly
4. Complexity- It is probably smart to start a passenger off with some open, level flight. While you may feel confident in their ability for a coached-through landing, keep in mind, as the pilot-in-command, you have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the flight
While a passenger may fly under the supervision of a private pilot, they can not log it as instruction time. Only time spent flying under the supervision of a certified flight instructor can count as flight hours.
This is one of many common scenarios new pilots face. In this article, we’re going to break down tips for new pilots on communicating with their passengers, understanding the rules around carrying passengers, and tips for making your passengers get the most enjoyment possible out of their flight.
How many passengers can private pilots fly with?
This is another common question many new pilots receive— and may not know the answer to. The answer is the pilot is limited to the number of passengers the airplane they are rated to fly in can hold. Some private pilots fly small Cessna’s that can carry three passengers, while others fly jets that can hold twenty or more.
However, just because a new private pilot can fly with passengers doesn’t mean they should immediately load their plane to the max. Flying with passengers changes the weight and balance of the aircraft— something every pilot knows how to manage, but should still err on the side of caution when first starting out.
Passengers can also cause distractions for the pilot, so choosing who is in the airplane with you is essential in the chain of good decision making. Starting out with one or two calm and collected people is prudent. After a dozen or so flights with passengers, you’ll have established your habits and will find it doesn’t really matter who is in the plane with you.
Briefing passengers
FAA regulations require the pilot to brief passengers about certain items. These include seatbelts, flotation devices, emergency procedures, and communications. Aside from the basic requirements, it’s important for private pilots to go a little beyond and truly communicate solid guidelines to their passengers. First, many passengers are probably feeling a little uneasy once they actually set eyes on the airplane they’re about to go up in. Show them the safety redundancies you’re taking during the pre-flight inspection. Letting them know that you’re checking the fuel tanks, the engine, and the wings may be enough to put them at ease.
Next, really reinforce to them the times when you need to concentrate most during the flight. These would include taking-off, landing, and any time you’re using the radio.
If you are going to let your passenger fly once you’re in the air, go ahead and give them a little info that may help— but don’t overload them with facts you had to learn to get your license. This is meant to be fun or exploratory for them and they’ll get to all that stuff if they end up going up with a flight instructor later on.
Finally, ask your passengers what they’d like to see. Some people may say they want to feel what the aircraft is capable of— great, show them a controlled stall. Others are going to want to sightsee and will be thrilled enjoying straight and level flight. Some will end up hating it. Don’t take it personally, just bring the airplane back down slow and controlled.
Flying with passengers
As a general rule of thumb, fly as smoothly as possible with passengers. Keep your bank angles low, your take-off and approach angle as shallow as is safely possible, and your landings soft. More than likely, your flight instructor did this for you during your first lesson (although maybe not).
Communicate with them often. Again, you don’t need to be showing them every technical aspect of the flight they’re enjoying. Point out some great landmarks, fly them places no airliner is taking them, and answer any questions they may have.
If you are going to let them fly, do it somewhere you feel overly comfortable monitoring them. This takes stress off you and makes it more fun for them. Passengers can sense if you’re really tense, and are more likely to make a panic move if you’re hovering over them looking worried. Just explain some basics, give them control, and be completely ready to take the controls back if they do anything outside of what is best for the aircraft.
Summary
A private pilot is allowed to let passengers fly as long as the pilot maintains control and responsibility for the flight the entire time. A private pilot has no limit on the number of passengers they are authorized to carry outside of the physical limits of the airplane they are rated to fly. Flying with passengers can be extremely enjoyable, but they should be well prepared and assured beforehand about minimizing distractions and the safety procedures in place for them.
Not all passengers are going to love flying— that’s OK, don’t force them to continue, just bring the plane back down as smoothly as possible. If (when) a passenger does want to fly, ensure it is in a place and time during the flight you are completely comfortable handing the controls over so you can both be relaxed while you monitor them.
Recommended Course!
