The importance of a PAX brief

Murdoughnut

Murdoughnut

Well sized member
Took my sister up in the chickenhawk this morning - gave her the standard pax brief, including a "if you see other airplanes in the sky, point them out to me".

So we're chugging along perpendicular to to the beach inbound to PIE when she says "hey, there's another plane" "Where?" "Right over there...(points).

"Oh *"

Don't know how I didn't see it, but I was on a collision course with a Cirrus 90-degrees to my left. Fortunately she pointed it out when it was still about three-quarters of a mile away, giving me enough time to climb, but had she not...

Always appreciate those little reminders - keep on your toes folks!
 
In the Cherokee you're supposed to tell them how to open the door.

Always fun to start briefs with, "now, if we crash....."
 
Murdoughnut said:
Took my sister up in the chickenhawk this morning - gave her the standard pax brief, including a "if you see other airplanes in the sky, point them out to me".

!
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As I've always said, Anything and Everything can happen at Any Given Time, With or Without Prior Notice.
 
True Enough ^^.


But I have always given briefs to pilots, students, friends etc, whenever I take them flying and I am PIC. It's a good habit to get into and keeps everyone involved. Not to mention safety.

Good stuff Mur.
 
Holocene said:
In the Cherokee you're supposed to tell them how to open the door.

Always fun to start briefs with, "now, if we crash....."
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I got this response from a passenger on a Cherokee. "What do you mean this airplane only has one door, why?.. I'm not sure I'm cool with that" I really didnt have a good response other then to tell him they just make it like that to limit the weight of the airplane. It didn't settle his nerves at all. Anybody have a better BS response for the next time? ;)
 
SeanD said:
I got this response from a passenger on a Cherokee. "What do you mean this airplane only has one door, why?.. I'm not sure I'm cool with that" I really didnt have a good response other then to tell him they just make it like that to limit the weight of the airplane. It didn't settle his nerves at all. Anybody have a better BS response for the next time? ;)
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I always use the following for questions like that: "There are many many airplanes designed like this. Its a normal design for general aviation aircraft, and not a safety concern. But most people ask me that question the first time in this airplane."

It's the same as letting students know that their timidness with a certain maneuver is completely standard issue - makes people feel like there is nothing to be concerned about.
 
Holocene said:
In the Cherokee you're supposed to tell them how to open the door.

Always fun to start briefs with, "now, if we crash....."
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So don't. I generally say something to the effect of "If you need to open the door, here's how...". Granted, I usually get "When might I need to open the door?" as a response, so it kind of backfires :D
 
My instrument instructor was involved in a midair. Ever since I have been grabbing traffic advisories from ATC when heading the to practices areas. The best part is that I get my students to do it for me which helps with their communications. Also ATC wants us to call to help with their trainees and to help keep their numbers up. It was nice to hear that from their union rep and manager.
 
Maurus said:
My instrument instructor was involved in a midair. Ever since I have been grabbing traffic advisories from ATC when heading the to practices areas. The best part is that I get my students to do it for me which helps with their communications. Also ATC wants us to call to help with their trainees and to help keep their numbers up. It was nice to hear that from their union rep and manager.
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Yeah, the only time I don't have flight following is when I'm doing a scenic local flight. I had one close call a year and a half ago - and I'm pretty anal about scanning. That's why I was so surprised I missed this one.
 
SeanD said:
I got this response from a passenger on a Cherokee. "What do you mean this airplane only has one door, why?.. I'm not sure I'm cool with that" I really didnt have a good response other then to tell him they just make it like that to limit the weight of the airplane. It didn't settle his nerves at all. Anybody have a better BS response for the next time? ;)
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Because having only one hole makes the airframe stronger in event of a crash.
 
Your pax actually listen to your briefs? We had a guy recently tell us "no need to brief me, I've been on airplanes plenty of times let's just go".

Even the ones that do pretend to pay attention are up moving around about three seconds after the wheels hit the wells (with the seatbelt sign still on, no less).

I'm absolutely shocked that there are pax out there that listen to the safety briefing. Bravo!

*edit* I almost forgot
Kestrel452 said:
Because having only one hole makes the airframe stronger in event of a crash.
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Giggity.

-mini
 
hehe, on airliners I think I'm the only one who listens to the safety briefing and familiarizes myself with the safety card, it usually gets me strange looks from other passengers.
 
GlenA said:
hehe, on airliners I think I'm the only one who listens to the safety briefing and familiarizes myself with the safety card, it usually gets me strange looks from other passengers.
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Yeah, and I always count the number of rows between me and the exit - and tell my wife which she finds crazy.
 
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