Plane Ride

[4JSTU]

I have a 'friend' who is not keen on flying, 'he' was thinking of booking 'himself' on a short flight.

Now the question is, would a 'pleasure' flight in something like a Dragon Rapid be more enjoyable than a medium passenger jet.............

.......or would it be a bit like comparing a channel crossing with a car ferry and rowing boat ?

[ivanT3]

HI 4JSTU

Well, I would say that a ride in a small plane would be the thing. If this is his first time, it's worth letting him know that being a bit nervous is normal. It's also worth pointing out that the drive to the Air port is much more dangerous than the flight it's self..

Also, if he can find a way to admire the machines and the folks who fly them some how, he may get hooked .. My first flight with my uncle when I was 17 scared me half to death but it also turned my head toward the sky forever!! I still don't have my PPL but, darn it, I will some day, some way!!.

I would say a small plane first is the way to go...It's worth noting that I do NOT like heights like being on a roof for instance. but I love being up in a plane.

Just some thoughts..

Ivan..................................

[Garry Russell]

He might be better on the Rapide as he can see the guy up front driving it

Also there will be better almost wing to wing forward vision

Sitting in a featureless tube with crying kids and not much idea about what's going on outside except for the small window is not so settling.

Also to go on a jet means going through all the stress of modern airports where as the pleasure Rapide would be more of a walk across the field and hop on.

Much more relaxed all round..more of an experience.


Garry

[Kevin Farnell]

Now the question is, would a 'pleasure' flight in something like a Dragon Rapid be more enjoyable than a medium passenger jet............. ?

Undoubtedly!!!

I think Garry has summed it up, above.

On my own part, I have to admit, that I'm a bit of a nervous flier. Well, to be more correct, nervous of waiting. Whilst sat in the airport lounge, my nerves are jangling. Once airborne, I'm fine. Airliner flying, though is somewhat boring.
Sit me in a light aircraft, however and I'm LOVING IT!!!!
There is a real sense of motion in a light aircraft, which cannot be captured in an airliner (at least not at usual altitudes).
Try and encourage (but not intimidate) your friend into trying a short flight. Explain to the crew that he is nervous and they will do all they can to allow him to enjoy his flight.

It's well worth trying.

Regards

Kevin

[Jetset]

If you couldn't get into a smaller aircraft, I would say a short domestic flight in a turbo prop. I flew on one for the first time this week, after many many jet flights. I do think you get a real sensation of flight and movement, and on some of them the windows can be a little larger than the large jets. I really did feel that the turbo prop was a totally different flying experience.

[Nigel H-J]

Gary has summed up the options perfectly, with a Dragon Rapid not only will he see the pilot but also he can go and give him a big hug when safely back on the ground.......something he can't do in a commercial aircraft!!

[DaveB]

Indeedie..

You don't get this kind of view landing in a jet..


I could sit in one of these all day. Beautiful.. simply beautiful

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[Nigel H-J]

Brilliant photo Dave, but where had you been hiding that one then? :tuttut:

[DaveB]

Believe it or not Nigel.. I've posted this shot before

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[VEGAS]

Looks like the Cockpit of the millenium falcon!