(Rick Durden) wrote in message om...
Suggestion for when you take relatively new pax: restrict your
descents to no more than 500 fpm or you can really cause severe pain
if their ears don't clear easily. Yes, I know you were trying to get
down to pattern altitude, but it's okay to make a large scenic circle
in doing so as you let down gently.

I strongly second Rick's comment on fast descents with new pax (or new
students). It's the worst thing in the world to have a passenger
experiencing that kind of pain and there often isn't anything you can
do about it but wait. Take it easy until you know they can handle the
pressure change. I had this happen with a member of my family and it
wasn't fun.

Grass runways are good things. Unless you have information that they
are in bad shape or waterlogged, they are far better than pavement for
your tires. You did the right thing in landing on the grass when
there was a strong crosswind on the pavement.

I have found that landing on short grass strips is great for a pilot's
confidence as well. Executing a beautiful short/soft field landing on
a field that is actually short and soft is much more valuable than
continually simulating them on lengthy paved runways.

David