TIPS

On The Ground

1. Emphasize the importance of listening and holding an adult's hand while walking around on

the tarmac or anywhere in the vicinity of aircraft. Even if the aircraft aren't moving, it is important to practice as if each aircraft is getting ready to start its engine. 

2. Propeller, rotor, and jet engine safety. Begin teaching at a young age the proper way to

approach an aircraft, lead by example. Always enter and leave airplanes from the rear, or tail. Never towards the propeller. Make sure to shut down engine(s) (airplane and helicopter) prior to boarding or dropping off passengers. Helicopters have their own safety concerns which are different from airplanes so address those specific differences. Tell kids to never run towards a prop.

3. First time flyer? Allow the toddler to do a walk around with you and sit in the aircraft

without it moving or the engine started. If you can, do this a day or more prior to the real flight. The next step may just be starting the engine with the child inside. Another day, taxi the aircraft around. Finally, a short flight around the pattern to see how they handle the experience. Then gradually increase flight time each time you go. It may not be best to take a first time flyer on a long cross country flight.

4. Make sure older toddlers understand the importance of keeping their hearing protection on

and seat belts fastened.

5. If the toddler is able to speak, see if he or she has any questions prior to heading to the

aircraft.

6. Toddlers try to imitate adults, so make sure you are following the rules too. 

7. Install aircraft approved child seats or restraints appropriate for your child per 

manufacturer's guidelines. Please note some aircraft may not be able to accommodate child seats. There are FAA approved child restraint systems available that can help alleviate this issue.

8. Lock baggage doors. Do understand some baggage areas may be accessed from

inside the aircraft. A child could undo their seat belt and crawl into the baggage area which may or may not be easily opened from the inside of the aircraft. Be sure to know what type of door you have on your aircraft. Keeping the door locked may help keep a child from opening it in flight should they get out of their seat. This is why it is best to have another adult along.

9. Aircraft radios and intercom. Understand how your radios and intercom system work. If

your kids are flying with headsets, or really any passenger, it may be imperative to be able to silence their conversations or noise to enable you to hear CTAF, ATC, etc. There may be an isolate, crew, and all options.  

10. Passenger Brief & Sterile Cockpit. Make sure to give all passengers a briefing appropriate

to the aircraft. You may need to tailor the briefing for your audience. (I.e. 3 year old versus 12 year old) A helpful memory aid is SAFETY. To learn more about SAFETY please click on the FAA Safety link.

 

In the Air

1. Have an extra adult available to help with the toddler or other kids during the flight if you

are the pilot for the trip

2. HEARING PROTECTION. Try a dual layer of ear protection. Use silicon ear plugs first to cover

ear opening or foam plugs. Then place hearing protection over the ear plugs. This will help if the headset shifts during the flight.

3. Make sure to have sick bags available for all passengers and easily accessible. 

4. Give a toddler food to eat or sippy cup to suck on during descents to help alleviate

changes in ear pressure.

5. Sunshades. If possible, place child on side of aircraft that will not be in direct sun. Also,

consider buying reusable vehicle sunshades to place on passenger windows. As altitude increases so does the intensity of UVA and UVB rays. 

6. Travel early morning, late evening, or night to avoid the heat during summer months in

aircraft without air conditioning

7. Beat the heat with an ice cube placed in a mesh fresh food feeder. Use an insulated travel

mug to carry ice cubes. (Ice cubes are great treats for family pets too!)

8. Travel during nap time or normal sleeping hours.

9. Bring age appropriate snacks, water, toys, and books for in-flight entertainment.

 

Saving Weight and Space 

1. No crib or playpen at your destination? Consider a travel light crib

2. In lieu of a stroller, opt for a kid carrier or pack.

3. If traveling to civilization, pack only the food and diapers you need for travel and a few

spares. Plan to purchase the rest once you reach your destination.