"Dave" *m wrote

Howdy all,

I have a young daughter (currently 17 months old) who I am looking
forward to taking up in a plane some day.

Dave M.

I taught a dog to learn to ride a motorcycle with me, using positive
reinforcement, and acclimatization, to make it a very enjoyable thing for
her. I feel there is much that could be transferred, in taking a small
child for their first rides, so that it is not terrifying, and even
enjoyable, and looked forward to.

At first, put the child into the plane, and do nothing but get her used to
the airport atmosphere, noise, and small quarters. Figure out what is a
reward, for the immediate, like coloring books, or candy, or whatever. The
next time, start the same way, with the reinforcement, then add starting the
engine, but go nowhere. Next time, taxi around some and do a runup. Next
time, try the flight, but pick a smooth day, once around the pattern, and
land. All the time, keep that distraction, and positive reinforcement
going. If you push too hard, and scare her, all is lost; back up and work
up again.

It must be fun for her, on her level. In time, the other joys may grow.

Others will tell you about the other stuff; I wanted to cover the "mind"
part.
--
Jim in NC


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