Flying Kids

I strongly suggest you put her in your Cirrus and fly it! I’ve tried to fly my children and their arms get very tired! They don’t do well at altitude, where it gets cold, and their payload stinks :slight_smile:

(Sorry, I couldn’t resist)

My experiences with very young kids (<3) have been varied. One loved the flight, fell asleep and threw-up (on his Dad) the entire 45 minute flight. He loved the first flight so much, he couldn’t wait to do it again! Which he did - all the way home!!!

Second story was with my niece, who was 2 at the time. She had no problem on start-up taxi or take off run. BUT the moment the wheels were off, she started screaming. Neither I nor her Mom could figure it out. Yes, we returned very quickly.

I’d recommend that if you have the time, you do a familiarization program… baby steps. Bring the kid to the plane with Mom and maybe any other security items like a blanket, doll or teddy bear. Let her see you get in, fool around inside, then let her get in. Don’t start it or anything, maybe play a game or give her attention that she likes. Get her out quickly. The idea is too make it a positive experience and leave her wanting more. Then wait a few days and do it again, but this time after she is out, show her other planes flying and let her know that “Daddy” does the same thing and it is FUN. If she seems even the least bit scared, slow down, don’t force anything. Once again, the idea is to get her to ASK to fly.

After a few more days, maybe get her in the plane and “Drive around”, but don’t fly. Maybe let her watch Daddy fly away and return.

If this all works perfectly, wait for a very nice smooth day and take her for a very short flight with Mom and all of the security items.

Most kids I’ve flown with did not want headsets, but I did not have kids versions. Also, if you can, do what you can to keep noise to a minimum. Throttle back asap after takeoff and cruise ant a gentle setting.

Hope this helps.