I’ve posted a related question about a year ago: CRM for PPL pilots
There is some good feedback in that thread.
Just remember another pilot beside you is as qualified as you are respective of his hours. You fly and you are in command.
I personally like criticism as I learn alot from my mistakes and I always like to learn new things. A good pilot is always learning!
The thread drifted a bit but I second what Peter brought up initially in his post.
Regardless of the departure briefing you do – and it’s a sensible thing to do if it’s to the point and thoughtful (unlike a number of memorized phrases like in flying school) – there is a, let’s say, emotional component in terms of “feeling in charge”.
I’ve not had this with fellow pilots (but then I haven’t flown with non-instructor pilots with a huge load of experience) but I certainly have this with instructors. I feel less in charge because they are there – and that translates into different behavior. Sloppier? Less confident?
The last times after I got checked out an a new type, before taking “normal” passengers with me on the type, I’ve done at least another “check flight” with myself, partly due to that. To establish the confidence that I’m really ahead of this new type of aircraft before I can demonstrate that confidence to others. I also have more time than on a paid instruction flight to take in the cockpit, the feel and position of the buttons, etc.
I remember someone once saying “two flight instructors in an aircraft is worth half a student pilot”.
Peter – come and fly with me sometime, you will see how easy it is for us all to get screwed up when you think your passenger knows mare than you!!!!
LOL
I don’t give a sxxx what others think of my flying.
Me neither … Although I like to be praised for good skills, it does not bother me if someone has some objection. Far too old and far too many years in aviation (I’m 48 and over 30 years from the begining of flying career) so not much can stress me. And in my aircraft I’m usually far more competent than any of these “pilot-passangers”.
I don’t fly with people with whom that could happen. And beeing over 50 now, I don’t give a sxxx what others think of my flying. I do what I think is right. You stop beeing scared of other people after a certain age … I remember when I was 20 and a Munich taxi driver. The first days a passenger would make e nervous :-) But that’s a long time ago …
Whenever I fly with somebody more experienced than me I tell them right away that I want to be critisized and learn as much as possible.
The obvious danger here is that immediately you are establishing an authority gradient in the cockpit, with the associated behaviours of deference and resignation. You are the PIC and the authority gradient should be the other way.
But the fact that you are open to learning is really good.
I do this the other way – sit in the RHS with guys with less experience IFR. It gets me free GA flying and a chance to play with some of the nice new toys.
We always agree over a coffee before departure exactly what I will and won’t do. I’m not and never have been an instructor, so I won’t touch the controls under any circumstances. I’m only there for company and advice if they ask for it. It’s not a multi crew flight and I won’t speak up unless I think they’re about to kill me (hasn’t happened yet.) Normally, discussion and suggestions tend to happen over lunch on the continent somewhere or looking at the plates on the ground rather than in flight at a crucial moment.
Whenever I fly (as PIC) with someone I give them a briefing before we start up. Nothing too detailed, but things like how to adjust the seat, how to open the door (important as there is only one of them!) the fact that I want them to shut up when taking off or landing and whenever ATC is talking (important for non-pilots).
With another pilot, it will be abbreviated….things like shutting up when ATC is talking shouldn’t need to be said to another pilot. However other things need to be added about them speaking up if they aren’t comfortable with something that I’m doing.
If it’s someone that I fly with regularly, then only the variables on this flight will be discussed (eg what I might want them to do for me in the event of an engine failure over water or over land).
If I was flying with a more experienced pilot (or an instructor with me as PIC), then I’d still do the briefing just like any other pilot. If nothing else, it sets the tone and they know where they stand and what is and isn’t expected of them. This when written here, might sound hard and formal, but actually it’s really informal. Just a brief chat before calling for start up, and leaves everyone knowing where they stand and everyone enjoys the flight more as a result. It also means that I have just reinforced to myself that I am in command here, and that I can’t expect on any help from the other pilot unless I ask for it. So no reassurance comes from having them there, unless I ask for help with something.
