WORTH THE READ: CINDY CROSS GUEST EDITORIAL

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This guest editorial is by Cindy Cross, RAF VP of Appreciation.

Get in on the Fun! 

When I was a child in Ohio, my dad had friends with airplanes. Dad took me along for a ride whenever he could. The pilot made it interesting for us kids by going zero G! But I never thought much about flying after those flights. Then, two decades later, I met a guy who had an airplane! That’s when my right seat adventures began. 

In the beginning, the fun was different than it is now. I was looking out the window at unbelievable scenery, taking photographs, going places on weekends that most people need to take extra time off work to drive to, and landing in all kinds of interesting places. Yes, there were times when I was not comfortable in a small airplane. Slowly, things began to change. The more I sat in the right seat, the more I enjoyed being in the airplane. 

I started asking myself, “Will I take the right seat or the ‘cush’ seat on this flight?” After spending 30 years and hundreds of hours in our Cessna 206, I get to choose whether I participate in the flight or just go along for the ride. Thanks to my pilot/husband, who patiently taught me about the airplane and made our flights interesting by cleverly encouraging me to learn about preflight inspections, weather, airspace, and navigation, I now mostly take an active role in our flying adventures. Doing so gives me a sense of responsibility. We become a team. It is a place where I am constantly learning and assisting with the workload however I can. 

I am an extra set of eyes and ears in the cockpit. I look for traffic, listen to the engine and the radio. I monitor fuel levels, log tank changes, and monitor oxygen saturation during high flight. When I see something interesting or unusual out the window, I point it out. If something happens with a passenger or there is a change in plans, I manage the situation so that the pilot can fly the airplane. 

As a right seater, I help passengers board and get settled. I also ensure the pilot and passengers are comfortable during flight. I answer passenger questions while the pilot is busy with other tasks. Yes, I am also very good at, and enjoy, serving snacks and beverages and informing about the next restroom stop.

I also play an administrative role in our flying adventures. When traveling to Mexico or Canada, I have organized and kept track of all the necessary documentation needed for border crossings. I handle ground transportation and lodging, along with changes due to delays. When I am in the “cush” seat, there is nothing better than backcountry camping, as I just get to show up, help pitch the tent under the wing, relax, watch the sunset, listen to the crickets, and fall asleep under the stars. 

For flying trips requiring a lot of gear, I prepare and organize the cargo. I pack, weigh, and visualize how the cargo will fit before the pilot loads the airplane. 

As a right-seater, I learned how to understand radio communications and make radio calls. It makes me more aware of what’s going on around the field and in the air. I have found that the more involved I am in the cockpit, the more knowledge I gain, and the more comfortable and enjoyable flying is for me. 

The right-seater has choices. You can take on an active role and responsibilities, or just sit back and enjoy.

Most of all, because I am a right-seater, I, too, get to enjoy what I think are the greatest rewards of flying. I meet and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow pilots and flyers. I get to go to fascinating and unusual places that many others do not, and every flight is a new adventure. Flying in the right seat has been 30 years filled with learning, beauty, nature, and friendship.

Submitted October 22, 2026

Posted in Guest Editorial, News