Children in gliders?

Great ideas above.

I have taken up a few sub-five year olds. Because of their weight, I
had to fly front seat. The problem then is keeping an eye on the
child because it is nearly impossible to turn around to look (even in
a 2-33).

So I resort to talking about everything and making sure I get
feedback. Phrases like "Weee!" and "How are you doing?" and "Look at
that!" are key. If there ever was a time to know the name of the
child, this is it.

My $0.02.

- John DeRosa

I took my grandson at the age of two. We removed the normal seat from
the club L-23 and used the regular harness to secure his FAA approved
car seat into the rear cockpit area. This secured him and also
elevated him enough to see out.

For two weeks before the flight, we went to the club and strapped him
in the back while I was in the front. We would then raise the wing and
make small bounces and motions sitting there on the ground. This got
him used to the eventual motion of flight. I also gave him a
disconnected microphone so he 'talk' on the radio. He really liked the
phrase 'roger dodger'.

The flight took place during morning calm and was a sled ride from
pattern altitude. He thoroughly enjoyed it and talked about it for
many months afterward.

Horst
L33

Thanks to all for the suggestions! I'll take a look at how a car seat with a
back will work in our Blanik L13. Should be do-able.

My 4-year-old granddaughter is a real thrillseeker (e.g. loves Space
Mountain and Matterhorn at Disneyland), so I think she's going to want to go
up soon.

"Roger Worden" wrote in message
...
Are there some common guidelines about how big or old kids should be
before going for a glider ride? My concerns are around the safety
harnesses being intended for adults...

How do you ensure the harness is safe and is not going to slip around or
off a kid?

Are there safe ways to use a booster seat to enable a small one to be up
high enough to see out, without a possibility of it becoming a loose
object in the cockpit?

Anyone have experience with this subject?

We use one in our Blanik L13 - works fine.

Roger Worden wrote:
Thanks to all for the suggestions! I'll take a look at how a car seat with a
back will work in our Blanik L13. Should be do-able.

My 4-year-old granddaughter is a real thrillseeker (e.g. loves Space
Mountain and Matterhorn at Disneyland), so I think she's going to want to go
up soon.

"Roger Worden" wrote in message
...
Are there some common guidelines about how big or old kids should be
before going for a glider ride? My concerns are around the safety
harnesses being intended for adults...

How do you ensure the harness is safe and is not going to slip around or
off a kid?

Are there safe ways to use a booster seat to enable a small one to be up
high enough to see out, without a possibility of it becoming a loose
object in the cockpit?

Anyone have experience with this subject?