Kids Light Up in the Cockpit: Falling in Love with Flying - Stikes Aviation

Excited to see the world passing by under the wing

There’s something magical about watching your kids light up when they step into the cockpit, ready for another family flying adventure. Whether it’s a short hop to a nearby airport for lunch, a scenic flight over your hometown, or an airshow visit, these moments create memories that last a lifetime—and spark a passion for aviation that may last just as long.

The Excitement Begins Before Takeoff

For many kids, the adventure starts before you even reach the airport. They ask a million questions about where you’re flying, what they’ll see, and how airplanes work. If they’re old enough, they might even help with planning the route or picking the destination.

At the airport, there’s an undeniable energy. Little ones love watching other aircraft taxi by, listening to the radio calls, and checking out the instruments in the cockpit. If they’ve flown before, they might even start recognizing certain buttons and gauges.

Seeing the World from Above—A Special Stone Mountain Flight

One of my favorite flights with my daughter was the first time we flew around Stone Mountain together. We picked a clear and cool morning, perfect for enjoying some quiet time together in the air. There was no rush—just a shared love for flying and a sense of adventure.

She could hardly contain her excitement, asking a dozen times when we’d see the giant rock from the air. As we climbed out and approached the area, her eyes went wide with amazement.

“There it is! I see it!” she squealed through the headset, pressing her face up against the window. From above, the massive granite dome looked even more incredible than from the ground, and she was fascinated by the way the trails wound up to the summit. She pointed out the carving on the mountain’s face and loved spotting tiny people hiking below.

For her, it was like seeing a whole new world unfold before her eyes. For me, it was a reminder of just how special these moments are—getting to share my love of flying with her and watching her experience the wonder of aviation firsthand.

The Little Moments That Matter Most

Some of the best moments come when you least expect them. Maybe it’s the laughter as they feel a little turbulence for the first time, the excitement of hearing their own voice over the headset, or the way their eyes widen as you gently bank for a turn.

Then there’s the post-flight tradition—whether it’s grabbing ice cream at a nearby airport café, taking a family photo in front of the plane, or letting them log the flight in a personal aviation journal. These small traditions become part of the adventure and give them something to look forward to every time.

Planting the Seeds of Future Aviators

Even if your kids don’t grow up to be pilots, these experiences instill a love for aviation, adventure, and family time. And if they do catch the flying bug, who knows? One day, they might be the ones taking *you* for a ride.

No matter what, the joy of sharing the skies with your kids is something truly special. Watching them get excited about flying reminds us why we fell in love with it in the first place—and why family aviation adventures are some of the best flights of all.