My son is only 10 and I'm really looking forward to teaching him to fly but
for now I find that I have to "pick my moments" when teaching him small bits
and pieces. At times he's simply not interested, other times he's
fanatical. When he comes to me with an aviation question, idea, or
statement, I make sure that I take the time to thoroughly answer him and
return his questions with questions of my own to make him think. When he's
not in the mood, sometimes all he wants is a quick answer from me. For now,
I'm letting him choose when and how much he wants to learn and know about
flying. There are plenty of areas within aviation that I can keep
introducing to him to keep his interest up, but I won't push it. He loves
the different museums and to be able to take a friend along to show off what
he knows, we try to hit a different museum each summer. Next year I'll
probably let him tag along to ground schools with me when he wants and he's
already attended some of the special Sunday morning sessions and has fun
explaining some of the things he knows to the students.

Even though I'm a part time CFI, my son and I don't get many opportunities
to fly together, so each time is still special to him, and I let him choose
when we go. (he's still too short to reach the rudder pedals when sitting
on enough cushions to see out the window) My approach is going to be to
take it slow, let him lead the way by showing me how and when he is
interested. Down the road, we'll do an occasional lesson, introduce him to
other aviation adventures like sailplanes, aerial applicators, and the EAA
Summer Camp at OSH.

My worst fear is giving him a complex thinking that just because "Dad" does
it that he has to do it. I don't want that. I want him to fly because HE
wants to fly and I'll give him every opportunity as well as my total support
and encouragement.

Let me know what you and Mary work out with your son and how it transpires.

--
Jim Burns III

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