"Ice blonde" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi

Due to a freak chance meeting with a pilot in training and an aircraft
engineer, I have managed to talk myself into taking a trial flying
lesson.

Can you help with a few questions I have, having never been up in a
small aircraft and being scared of heights (well on tall buildings
anyway) But I do WANT to do this, don't get me wrong.

Can you experience pressure problems in your ears similar to on a
commercial jet?

You will not experience the eustachian tube issues in a light airplane at
low altitude that make some people uncomfortable on airliners.

Is it best to go alone with just the instructor, or take a willing
victim to witness your trial?

Up to you, but if a trial flight is your goal, you might want to consider
going with just the instructor. Distractions having a pax along on that
first flight can get in the way and the flight become more of a simple ride
than the instructional value you might be seeking. It's up to you to make
that decision.
Personally, as a CFI, I prefer first flights done with only myself and the
potential student. If carrying a passenger is desired, I would suggest a
pleasure flight and do the introductory flight another time.

Do they have sick bags?
Smart FBO's usually carry them, but take my word on it; if you know they are
there and you're thinking about them being there, I'll give you odds on
before the flight is over, you'll be grabbing for one :-)
Just pick a nice day....evening is a great time to schedule an introductory
flight. The air is smooth and you can relax and enjoy things more. Also, if
relaxed, and with any CFI worth the title, you will learn more, retain more,
and come away from the flight enjoying the experience.

Do you get a parachute in case anything goes wrong

Don't worry. On a first flight, (based only on the type of questions you
have asked here ) if anything THAT bad went wrong, you probably would be too
panicked to use the chute anyway. :-))))
Don't worry. You won't need a chute. What you'll be doing isn't anywhere
NEAR that dangerous. Just relax and have fun.


And how addictive is flying really, I mean if I open my eyes and like
it?

If you can manage to handle the "fears" you have posted here BEFORE taking
an intro flight, and if the CFI you fly with is any good at all, you will
come out of that airplane with a smile so big on your puss that it will
probably take six strong men to hold you back from grabbing the first phone
you see in the flight office to clean out your checking account to buy block
time :-)


All other helpful information appreciated, this is not a troll, I'm
serious.

Glad to know you Serious, and best of luck with that intro flight.
Let me know how it went?
Dudley Henriques
CFI Retired