Perspectives
Where, Oh Where Has My Co-Pilot Gone?
Many, many male pilots lament, “If my wife (girlfriend/whatever) would fly with me, I’d fly more often, and I’d enjoy it more.”
Why don’t more non-pilot spouses want to spend time in an airplane? A lot of reasons. Some have to do with comfort or fear, some have to do with the dynamics of the relationship. But for most people, the reason a non-pilot spouse isn’t anxious to fly is because they don’t feel part of the team. They’re bored.
Everything thing on land is a team effort. But when you get to the airport, the “pilot in command” takes charge, and it’s downhill from there.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Incorporating your significant other, friends or family members into your flying routine makes them part of the process. They will enjoy flying more, and flying is a lot more fun when you have someone to share it with.
So in this month’s New Aviator section, veteran instructor Richard Orentzel explains how you can work your non-pilot flying companion into your cockpit routine in a way that is both safe and fun. Instead of hours of boredom while you fly the airplane, your partner will feel part of the process, they’ll enjoy the trip...and who knows? They may be more willing to fly with you.
And that’s important, because if you take the time to fill out our reader survey online, you could win a VIP “Relax and Unwind” Retreat at the Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island, and you’ll want your significant other to go with you. If you don’t win the top prize, you could win two other prizes: a SkyOx portable oxygen system, or a Lowrance AirMap 600c.
Speaking of Lowrance, a big Congratulations! is in order for Bill and Skye Derge of San Antonio, Texas. They won a Lowrance AirMap 2000C for their picture submission in our Lasting Image print and online photo contest.
And speaking of photos, be sure to stop by the Columbia static aircraft display at EAA’s AirVenture in Oshkosh. Once again, we’ll put your photo on a complementary cover of Aviator’s Guide so you can show your friends that you are Pilot of the Year! 
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