Flying very often, I only fly with other people <20% of the time, but having a second seat is totally worth it. Get the second seat!
There is nothing like having your own plane. Great joys but also great responsibility. Not that it’s necessary, but I rearranged three years of my life to do nothing but fly!
My ownership experience here:
https://sportpilottalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=3823
Wife: Separate the physical from mental. It sounds like your wife is physically fine to fly. People are generally afraid of things that they don’t understand. The mental part, unless extreme, can usually be dealt with. Send her up with your CFI and see if she likes it!
Pilot Passengers: Another joy. Be sure to establish that you are pilot in command. Use a positive transfer of controls if you let them fly. A LSA will be very different from most certified aircraft. Call out your intentions and airspeed numbers in advance so they know that you are flying accurately. Lots to be learned from other pilots. If there is marginal weather, other pilots know full well what they are getting into.
Major Cross Country: It’s kind of like camping... at times it can be the GREATEST experience, other times it can really NOT be fun. You and your passenger need to be able to take the good with the bad.
Florida: Is paradise for an LSA! In 30 to 60 minutes you can be in a number of great destinations AND know that you’re most likely getting home the same day! 5-month Summers are hot below 1,500 feet! A few great places: Jekyll Island, Cedar Key, Spruce Creek, Flagler Airport Restaurant
Renting: Costs a fortune... especially for cross-country! Inevitably, long cross-countries are often extended for weather or maintenance. With your own airplane you know everything about it, and you are totally familiar. There is nothing like having your own plane!
LSA Pilots: We are a tight-knit community with lots of shared knowledge. The rest of general aviation is not very knowledgeable about LSA. However, Once they try it, they love it!
Non-Pilot Passengers: One of the greatest joys of flying is sharing it with other people. It’s a big responsibility to take someone up with you, but don’t be overwhelmed.
+ Remember how you felt the first time in a small plane.
+ Plan a short flight, it can always be extended.
+ Introduce them to the plane. Explain your preflight inspection, briefly.
+ Let them know that all good pilots use checklists, and that you’re NOT being absent minded. LOL
+ Ask them about rollercoasters to get a feeling of their physical and mental state.
+ Joke. Tell them that the most dangerous part of flying is driving to the airport. (True!)
+ Follow the safety briefing guidelines while staying positive.
+ Explain sterile cockpit while operating on or near an airport.
+ Educate them a little as you fly. Let them know what to expect.
+ If they fear heights, remind them that flying higher is actually safer.
+ On landing, tell them to look at the far end of the runway, not the numbers that you are “diving” to.
A few other thoughts to keep in mind... going beyond your question:
* Put a bunch of hours in before you take up passengers. Fly WELL below your limits. Remember, passengers are another multitasking responsibility for you the pilot.
** As you get more time (100 to 350 hours) remember, you’re probably not as good as you think you are! LOL Let me explain. You will then have a decent amount of experience, but don’t get over confident, as you still have a lot more to learn.
