First Long Cross-Country as a Pilot -- Any tips?

If you can, take your 2 y/o flying now and get them used to it. I got
my son flying at 18 mos. and he loves it now (2-1/2). Another thing I
would recommend is getting him/her a set of headphones. I got the ones
with one cup red and one cup blue (forget the brand), but they work nice.

Give you kid sudafed before you fly. Also, try to schedule the flight
close to a naptime. My kid sleeps very soundly in the back seat. On
our last flight, when I had him sitting up front with me, he fell asleep
there, too. Again, did I mention a headset for him?

When flying with my son, I do have to occasionally unplug his mic (but
not the headphones!) so I can do my flying and talk to ATC.

I disagree with the DVD player, but do suggest some books, small toys,
and a cup/bottle with his/her favorite drink. Your child will get
thirsty. I strapped in the carseat into the back seat of a Cherokee and
the back and front seats of a 172. It takes some creativity sometimes,
but can be done.

I can also email you off-ng if you want. Send me an email
flying
&at&
k7sle -dot- com

Good luck!!!!!!

Chris G., PP-ASEL
Father of 2 cute kids who like planes
Salem, Oregon

JDK wrote:
Alright, first long cross-country coming up for me as a pilot.
Traveling up to see family for Memorial Day weekend (and hoping the
weather holds out on Friday).

Of note, I did my training in a (slow) C152, but moved up to a fuel-
injected C172 after getting my license.

Any tips to ease the flight? Good tips for fuel consumption savings?
Tips for taming my 2-year old for the flight?

Thanks!

JDK