A reluctance to take the controls

"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
ups.com...
Mary and I have given rides to dozens of people over the years. I
usually like to let a newbie ride in the right seat with me, and will
usually let them "take the wheel"

I have had the joy of actually being paid to give glider rides to hundreds
of newbies. For most, this was their first experience in a small aircraft.
Once established off of tow, I would always offer the stick to my passenger and
most of them happily accepted. I even talked one young fellow all the way
through the pattern to touchdown! About 20% refused the opportunity to take the
controls, and it never bothered me. Some might be honestly afraid, most are
probably afraid of making fools out of themselves, some probably just prefer to
watch the scenery; whatever makes them happy makes me happy.

Vaughn