On Wed, 28 Jan 2004 03:13:10 GMT, Paul Folbrecht
wrote:

I have a friend who really wants me to take he & his two boys up- they
are 3 & 5. I am worried about them "freaking out"- especially the
little one. They have never flown before (commercially or otherwise).

Of course they need to be in back of the 172, which would make it
difficult for my friend to reassure them, etc.

I'm especially concerned about the younger one for the obvious reason
that 3 is pretty young. To the folks that have a lot of experience
taking up little kids- what are the rough odds that he'll be just fine
vs. having a cow? I need to decide if I should suggest that this isn't
a great idea or not. TIA.

I have taken my nephews up for rides at abut 2-3 years old. I put
their car seats in the back seats. Went on a smooth day. Their Dad
went along for the ride in the front seat. Headsets are an issue,
most do not fit children well, and the kids will pull it off their
head anyways. Besides that - no complaints, except the kids really
couldn't see too much out of the car seats, as it is hard for them to
see out the window. They had fun and occasionally ask Mom/Dad when
their next airplane ride will be.

I'd say go for it, but if you get to the airport and the kids (or Dad)
start freaking out, call it off. It isn't going to get better once
the fan is turning and you're hitting the bumps.

-Nathan