Safety begins on the ground: Flight preparation without distraction
Even if the anticipation of the joint flight is great - the outside check, reading in the weather data and flight planning should be done in advance. without the presence of passengers take place. The preparation phase is highly focussed and any distraction can lead to careless mistakes. It is therefore recommended, Perform checklists without interruption and focus exclusively on the aircraft, flight plan and any special features of the route.
Practical precautions should also be taken:
- Spit bags for sensitive passengers
- Seat cushionto improve visibility for smaller people
- Life jackets for flights over water
- Oxygen supply for flights above 9,000 feet
Not all passengers show nervousness openly. Some withdraw, others talk incessantly - both can affect the pilot. This makes it all the more important to have a structured procedure before take-off.
What a complete PAX briefing should include
A good passenger briefing should short, clear and complete be. Ideally, it begins on the groundeven before everyone has taken their seats. The most important contents include
1. general information
- Welcome and introduction
- Flight sequence (take-off, cruise, approach, landing)
- Weather and possible turbulence
- Length and special features of the route
2. behaviour in the cockpit
- Communication during the flight: e.g. Calm below 1,000 ft AGL
- Agreement of a Hand signal for "Quiet"such as a raised hand
- Headset use: operation, microphone position, volume control
- No contact with control elements or instruments
3. safety equipment and emergencies
- Fasten and correctly adjust the belts
- Doors and locking systems explain
- Fire extinguisher, fire blanket, life jackets, emergency exits show
- For aircraft with Rescue system (e.g. BRS): Explain the release mechanism
- Behaviour in the event of an emergency landing or splashdown:
- What is the pilot doing?
- What should passengers do (head position, exit, distance from the aircraft)?
A good tip: Pay attention to the facial expressions of your guests. Those who understand what you are saying usually show this through eye contact and asking questions. If there is still uncertainty, it is better to follow up again.
Why the briefing is so important - also psychologically
Passengers who have never sat in a small aircraft before experience an intense feeling of loss of control. They feel every movement more strongly than in a commercial jet, hear new noises and see instruments that they cannot interpret. A professional briefing has a calming effect here, provides orientation - and therefore also emotional security.
Even if, as a pilot, you know your aircraft inside out: Not your passengers. What is routine for you is completely new territory for them. If they know what to expect, they feel less exposed - and you have a more relaxed cockpit atmosphere.
The right time: before boarding - and during the flight
It is best to give your PAX briefing even before boarding - i.e. on the aircraft, with the door open. Explain how to get on and off the aircraft safely, where the luggage goes and where the seat belts and headsets are. As soon as everyone has fastened their seatbelts, you can repeat the critical points shortly before the startfor example:
- "We're just before the start - please keep calm now."
- "After take-off, we will turn towards the west."
- "If something seems unusual, please let us know - preferably once more."
More can then be said when travelling. Here too: Communication creates safety. Involve your passengers by asking them, for example, observe the airspace - This not only makes sense, but also gives them the feeling of being an active part of the crew.
Passenger briefing: legal obligation or just good practice?
In commercial air transport, a safety briefing is mandatory and regulated in detailed procedures. In non-commercial use (e.g. private flights with friends or family) it is indeed Not required by lawbut strongly recommended from a liability point of view.
Should an incident or even an accident occur, a documented briefing can prove that you have fulfilled your duty of care. Some flying schools or air sports clubs provide Checklists or forms often also available as a PDF to take away.
Conclusion: Good communication is also good flight safety
A structured, calm and understandable passenger briefing shows that you as a pilot take your responsibility seriously. It protects your guests - and yourself. At the same time, it helps to reduce nervousness, build trust and turn a simple sightseeing flight into a safe and enjoyable experience.
Because flying is more than just technology: it is communication, people management - and responsibility from the first to the last minute.
Source references:
Staysafe.aero