Flight Training - November/December 2022 - 41

CFI or not, many pilots enjoy introducing
their children to flying.
home, they kept the lessons formal to the point of driving to the
airport separately. And when they were at the lesson, Nathan
said they didn't talk about cutting the grass or anything else
from home.
Not surprisingly, soloing was a challenge. Ballard said he was
probably more conservative with Jack than he usually is with
other clients, and Brown faced some logistical challenges that
meant Austin soloed with the flight school.
There are other unforeseen challenges as well. Students
make mistakes along the way, but it can be hard to see your kids
struggle and continue to view the situation dispassionately. In
Jack's case, Nathan knew he was going to pass the knowledge
test, but not ace it. Nathan endorsed him for the test, and Jack
had to discuss those problem areas later with an examiner.
Nathan is confident that Jack learned to make the knowledge
test a priority in the future. Brown had to balance the need to
push Austin without damaging their relationship, ultimately
deciding to let a neutral party step in, thereby taking away the
pride of going the full distance but keeping everyone happy in
the process.
Dads and sons have no regrets. " I would encourage people
to give all the dual they can to their kids, " Brown said. " Don't discount
the value, both emotionally and with instructional quality,
of teaching your kid. " Ballard said their relationship got stronger
as a result of the training. " There was a lot more interaction
about a common shared love, " he said. " That has been, and still
is, amazing. "
Jack Ballard is now enrolled at Auburn University to become
a commercial pilot, and Austin Brown is an U.S. Air Force
Academy graduate and has flown F-16s all over the world. He
credits his dad's instruction with getting him on the right path
toward his career. " For me it worked out great, " he said. " I really
cherish all the time I spent growing up flying with my parents
and learning with my dad. I often look back and think about how
extremely privileged I was to have my own dad. "
We've all seen moms and dads screaming at their kids
from the sidelines, badgering referees, elementary school play
directors, and even young volunteer coaches. Bottom line: If you
are that parent, do your relationship with your kids a favor and
don't teach them to fly. But if you're an experienced instructor,
capable of staying calm as students fling you to the runway, and
you want to strengthen your relationship, what better teacher is
there than you?
Will my kids be interested in learning to fly? Who knows?
Like Brown did with his sons, and like my dad did with me, I put
my kids in the front, let them guide me with their interest, and
remain ready if and when they say they want to learn. I know
they'll be up for the challenge. I can only hope I am as well. FT
ian.twombly@aopa.org
FLIGHT TRAINING NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022
41
CHRIS ROSE
Flight Training - November/December 2022

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