Would it be a bad to take my Grandma for a ride in a small plane.?

Question

Well I have been working on getting my pilots license for the last few months and I am getting close to finishing it. I told my grandma that I would take her up for a ride but I am not sure if that is a good idea. She is 75 years old, she has smoked her whole life, and she just had a stroke a couple of months ago. Right now she can't walk but they think she will in the next few months. Also I live in Colorado so we would probably be flying at about 8,000 ft. I just don't want to have her pass out from the higher altitude or cause her any more health problems right now. Is taking her for a short ride a bad idea? Should I maybe look into getting her an oxygen bottle for the ride? Anything else I should consider?

Thanks for any comments

Answer 1

Well, for the smoothest ride, it would be best on a cool day, or in the morning in order to avoid turbulence. The best altitude should be above 5000ft and below 10000, if you don't have to worry about oxygen if ur going on a short ride.

Answer 2

With her having had a stroke two months ago it is not a good idea. My father-in-law had a stroke a month ago and he is at risk for having another in the next six months. It takes time to recover and for the clot to completely clear.

I'd wait a bit, have her come out and watch you take-off.

Answer 3

If she wants to go flying, take her. It may make her feel good. Take her up when the weather is good and maybe fly around your local area. Keep her up till she is comfortable. If she shows the slightest sign of discomfort, bring her down.

Answer 4

If you decide not to take her up, see if someone with a video camera can go up with you. Have her go along to watch you, include her in your video. She could be shown around the airport while you are gone, she might enjoy her participation.

Record any interesting things you can on your flight, then go home and share with your family. Hopefully she will appreciate this and your precaution with her health.

Answer 5

Well, You should play it safe if you are debating on whether or not to take her up thaen maybe no is the best answer for now. Also if you get an oxygen tank how do they react with air pressure since you would be flying 8000 ft. Play it safe

Answer 6

of course it is  a good idea as long as you feel comfortable remember your the pilot in command and have the final say , i would take a spare O2 bottle just in case

and remember if she starts backseat driving (or flying ) pull a couple of barrel rolls and a stall to set her straight ;)

Answer 7

Do it early in the morning to avoid the heat in the aircraft and to get a better ride.

Answer 8

Jon -

If walking is problematic, I think she would find it very difficult and uncomfortable to even get into a Cessna 172. That is a tricky maneuver for non-athletic types.

The real question is, are you doing this for her or for yourself? Most new pilots (I remember this in my own experience) want to share their new-found skill with others, and, if you are honest, there is a trace of excessive pride in your own abilities. This is perfectly natural, but it's not a good reason to bring her along, especially if there is the slightest risk involved. I recommend you let her watch from the tower or from the ramp. She will enjoy it more, and you will not have to worry about her when you should be thinking about the aircraft.

Answer 9

It really depends on what type of plane it is. If the plane is a large cabin private aircraft (Cirrus, Diamond) then it should be fine. Cessna's are smaller and more uncomfortable. Also, it depends on her medical conditions. If you are unsure, ask a doctor.