Ziay!

Dave

I'm doing some research on how people view General Aviation (private pilots flying small aircraft). Any answers to these questions would be greatly appreciated:

1) Are you nervous about flying in small aircraft?

2) If so, why?

3) What, if anything, would make you more comfortable with flying in a small plane?

If you have any other opinions or feelings on this topic, please feel free to provide them as well.

Thanks much!
I realize that I left out an invitation for other pilots to talk about how they help nervous passengers. I'd love to hear your opinions as well.

scubakobbe

I am perfectly comfortable with flying in General aviation aircraft.

nitram

This depends on the pilot. He or she is responsible for making sure the plane is "flight-worthy" and that the flight can be done safely (time, weather, etc). If the pilot were inexperienced, unintelligent, non-compulsive or not detail oriented, then I would worry that they were not the right personality to be a good pilot. Certainly the plane has to be safe, but that's a decision of the pilot.

lisj2

1. No, I wouldn't be nervous because I have general knowledge of aviation and understand flight.

3. Size of the plane > 737 = confidence. Small planes are effected by turbulence more, and therefore shake around more. I also think they would have fewer people doing maintenance on them, so I would be nervous if that person missed something. I'm probably wrong on that assumption though.

JetDoc

I'm a private pilot and I love flying in small (4-6 seat) airplanes. There's a great sense of freedom and a feeling of being in control of your life and your destiny. I get a similar feeling when riding my motorcycles.

It's the big ones I don't like because you're just stuffed up inside a big metal tube with 100 or more other people, and all you can do is sit there and hope that the guys sitting up front and driving the bus know what they're doing.

I think that some people are nervous about small planes because they don't understand what all the dials, buttons and levers are all about. As a passenger in a small plane, ask the pilot for a tour of the airplane before you board. Get an idea of what makes the machine work, then while in cruise flight, ask questions about navigation and how the controls work. Most pilots will be happy to share with you when they have the time, and you may come away from your flight with a better understanding and a better feeling about small airplanes.

serf

Private aircraft are usually far more comfortable.