Click Here to Return to

I guess I'm looking for help making a judgment on this situation. I have joint custody of two children from a previous marriage, an 8 year old and an 11 year old. They are both very excited to get up in the plane with me but also tell me how there mother thinks that G.A. is unsafe and she and her new husband keep telling them about accidents. I think she wants to scare my kids to the point where they don't want to go anymore. (Which I think is completely unfair and when I call her on it she denies it) Fortunately they are not shook by the ex's attempts. The fact that I fly rental planes scares her. She says she trusts me, not the plane, but then says she wants me to have more hours. I try to explain that flying is safe and I have had proper training but all she says is "soon." I feel that when my kids are with me, I have a say in what they do but just the same I don't want to cause problems. Should I just put my foot down and say I'm taking them flying because I don't think she is ever going to warm up to GA? Or what can I do to help put her mind to ease?
Thanks for any help with this dilemma.

Hi,

Have a listen to this podcast about safety,

http://cdn1.libsyn.com/jmiller/140_tfp_ ... ba3f8adf22

or you can navigate to our audio podcast page, Edpisode 140.

Basically, pre-flight planning/safety is broken down into these categories-
Your health/expertise
the plane
the environment
I would systematically work through each one of these and explain the process that occurs before each and every flight. If you want statistics, go to AOPA's site.
I would also ask if this is about flying or just fear about the kids being in a situation she doesn't know. I know you say she won't warm up to GA, but perhaps sharing information, ie podcasts/events, even a flight? might help?

Good luck,
Anais