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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to worry about DS going for a flight in a light plane?

176 replies

crackofdoom · 01/10/2020 21:39

XP has just texted to say that he has a friend who is a pilot flying down to visit in a light plane in a few days' time, and can he take DS1 (10) up for a flight?

I'm torn. DS would love this. I feel terrified. I'm fairly scared of flying anyway, manage to keep it down when necessary, but to be honest the thought of the DC flying scares me more than the thought of me flying myself! DS was due to fly on a school trip this spring - which was cancelled due to COVID - I was a bit scared for him, but the trip was such an opportunity, and I know that commercial flights are really very safe, so I managed to keep it down.

But this one....? Can anybody talk some sense into me about realistically how safe light amateur flights are?

OP posts:
Mascaramademehappy · 01/10/2020 21:53

I’d feel exactly the same and would not allow him to go.

Blackdog19 · 01/10/2020 21:53

I wouldn’t allow my ds to go either.

Rockbird · 01/10/2020 21:55

No way. There are so many stories about light aircraft crashing that there's no way in hell my kids would be going in one.

Original poster
crackofdoom · 01/10/2020 21:57

Wow, I was prepared to be firmly told I was being silly!

XP will probably think I'm just being obstructive if I say DS can't go, but that's the least of my concerns, to be honest.

OP posts:
SilenceOfTheEmu · 01/10/2020 21:58

Sorry I wouldn’t let me DS either!

CreamCabbages · 01/10/2020 21:59

Nope!

welshweasel · 01/10/2020 21:59

I’d let him. We used to go flying in the air cadets at school and it was an amazing experience. I learnt to fly a glider solo at 15.

It’s safer than driving!

DramaAlpaca · 01/10/2020 22:00

A friend of mine's brother was killed in one of those when it crashed. He was an experienced pilot. So no. Absolutely no bloody way.

FubsyRambler · 01/10/2020 22:02

Compared to driving, it’s extremely safe.

FubsyRambler · 01/10/2020 22:03

I’ve been up a number of times as a passenger, so no, I wouldn’t have a problem with it.

Witchend · 01/10/2020 22:05

I've been up a few times. It really is a marvellous feeling. Really recommend it. The pilot even let me take over the controls for a bit.
I'd let him.

IcyApril · 01/10/2020 22:06

I have no idea about light aircrafts if I’m honest so thought I’d ask my DH. He says to let our son on one he would want more information - who is the pilot? His flight history? Plane maintence record?

He has a list of commercial airlines the children wouldn’t be allowed on. He’s very into aircraft.

LimitIsUp · 01/10/2020 22:07

On paper it is safer than driving - but it's hard when you have 'the fear'
I don't like single engine airplanes so I know where you are coming from

MushyMushi · 01/10/2020 22:08

I’m a private pilot. My DC (aged 14&15) are currently learning to fly. They also go up regularly with my cousin (commercial and private pilot).

It really isn’t dangerous if the pilot does what they’re meant to do. The only incidents I’ve seen have stemmed from showboating idiots who don’t follow checklists or who are arrogant enough to think they don’t matter. Planes are stringently maintained and completely safe even when they’re 50 years old!

Your average pilot is methodical and calm. There is hardly any traffic in the sky. The chance of anything bad happening is ridiculously slim.

itsgood2talk · 01/10/2020 22:08

No way!

FubsyRambler · 01/10/2020 22:09

It’s just one of those judgement calls that are very individual to the parent. Horse riding, motor bike, London unaccompanied, trip in a light air craft, scuba diving...my children have done those things, my sibling’s children haven’t.
They’re all still alive and unbroken. Sibling is happy with their choices, as I am with mine.

bumblingbovine49 · 01/10/2020 22:10

I astonished at the early posters saying no. I'd be perfectly happy for DS to do this. It is far safer than them being driven in a car, even in a light aircraft. People really are weird about risks

Lockheart · 01/10/2020 22:12

He'll be at far more danger driving to the airfield than in a plane.

I began learning to fly at 14 and did my first solo flight at 16.

He'll be fine.

BlokeTarget · 01/10/2020 22:13

Statistically youre more likely to die crossing the road. And much more likely to die driving your ads to school, or anywhere for that matter.

Do some research and see the stats speak for themselves. The safest form of travel.

You’re projecting your fears onto him, and hindering his experiences to suit yourself.

Lockheart · 01/10/2020 22:14

@Rockbird

No way. There are so many stories about light aircraft crashing that there's no way in hell my kids would be going in one.
And how many car accidents are there every day? Compared to, say, the daily number of light aircraft crashes.
TheVanguardSix · 01/10/2020 22:15

No way.

Voice0fReason · 01/10/2020 22:16

I cannot imagine saying no to my child, refusing them this exciting opportunity for no other reason than you would worry!
It IS safer than driving.
Put your own feelings to one side and allow your child to experience this.
I've done it myself and it was amazing.

TheVanguardSix · 01/10/2020 22:17

And how many car accidents are there every day? Compared to, say, the daily number of light aircraft crashes.

I see your point, but if a plane crashes, that's it. Toast.

MoistMolly · 01/10/2020 22:20

Statistically, your ds is more likely to be seriously hurt or killed in your own home.

Lockheart · 01/10/2020 22:21

@TheVanguardSix

And how many car accidents are there every day? Compared to, say, the daily number of light aircraft crashes.

I see your point, but if a plane crashes, that's it. Toast.

Yeah you're right, no-one walked away from the Hudson River crash.

Did you know that a review of aviation incidents actually revealed that there's a 95% on average survival rate? www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-45030345