More on the Stearman flip at DCA

"Many pilots don't
realize that what is absolutely normal in the way of sight, sound, and
movement to them, might be absolutely terrifying on the extreme end
and "of concern" on the low end, to a passenger.
snip
Dudley Henriques

Couldn't agree more Dudley!
Glad your still here!

When I have a pax that is new to the experience of flying for the
first time I think it's important to make them a part of the flight. I
have always tried to make "their" flight the most enjoyable it can be.
I make all turns gentle, altitude changes smoothly etc. Always let
them know ahead of time what we will be doing.

It starts with the safety briefing before engine start-up as to what
will happen during the flight. Let them know that they can be a big
help just looking outside at the view and for other traffic. That
there will be times that I will ask them to be quite so I can
communicate on the radio. If we have an emergency and have to do an
off field landing don't panic, we are just landing in a different
place than we planned. : )

I get the greatest feeling when after the flight they tell somebody
that "I'm" a great pilot with the biggest smile on their face. Then it's
been a good day! Over the last 30 years of flying I've had several
"newly minted" pilots come to me and say that I played a part in them
wanting to fly. It doesn't get any better than that!

Terry N6401F