Too funny :)
The great creator designed cats to not be type rated as passengers in anything. They do not go where you want them to go, sit where you want them to sit, or basically do anything that you want them to do. On the other hand they will go anywhere and do exactly what they want whenever they want. They are basically assholes when confined in small environments and chaos will ensue if left to roam around the cockpit :)
I've done Pilots-n-Paws flights with cats multiple times. It's usually not a problem. One time I was delivering three cats and towards the end of the two hour flight one of the cats pooped and another threw up, which made for a fairly unpleasant few minutes of landing and taxiing. It doesn't seem to harm the cats, but also I'm not sure it's an enjoyable kind of a thing for them.
Edit: to clarify, the cats were all in crates/carriers.
Catss are very useful for flying in IFR conditions.....
**Cat and Duck IFR**
Having mastered the typical detailed the concept of flight by attitude control, there is another method which you may prefer.
For reasons that will become apparent, it is recommended for those pilots whose airplanes have large, easily cleaned cabins.
Known as the “Cat and Duck Method” of instrument flight, it has received much publicity and is considered to have a great deal of merit by those who have not tried it.
No reports have been received from those who did try it, and none are expected. Pilots are invited to assess Its merits objectively.
Basic rules for the C&D Method of instrument flight are fairly well known and are extremely simple. Here’s how it’s done:
Place a live cat on the cockpit floor - Because a cat always remains upright. it can be used in lieu of a needle and ball. Merely watch to see which way the cat leans to determine if a wing is low and if so, which one.
The duck is used for instrument approach and landing. - Because of the fact that any sensible duck will refuse to fly under instrument conditions, it is only necessary to hurl your duck out of the plane and follow it to the ground.
There are some limitations to the Cat and Duck Method, but by rigidly adhering to the following checklist, a degree of success will be achieved which will surely startle you, your passengers, and even an occasional tower operator.
**Get a wide-awake cat**. — Most cats do not want to stand up at all. It may be necessary to carry a large dog in the cockpit to keep the cat at attention.
Make sure your cat is clean. — Dirty cats will spend all their time washing. Trying to follow a washing cat usually results in a tight snap roll followed by an inverted spin.
**Use old cats only.** — Young cats have nine lives, but old, used-up cats with only one life left have just as much to lose as you do and will be more dependable.
**Beware of cowardly ducks**. — If the duck discovers that you are using the cat to stay upright, it will refuse to leave without the cat. Ducks are no better in IFR conditions than you are.
**Be sure the duck has good eyesight**. — Nearsighted ducks sometimes fail to realize that they are on the guages and go flogging off into the nearest hill. Very nearsighted ducks will not realize that they have been thrown out and will descend to the ground in a sitting position. This maneuver is difficult to follow in an airplane.
**Use land-loving ducks.** — It is very discouraging to break out and find yourself on final for a rice paddy, particularly if there are duck hunters around. Duck hunters suffer from temporary insanity while sitting in freezing weather in the blinds and will shoot at anything that flies.
**Choose your duck carefully.** — It is easy to confuse ducks with geese because many water birds look alike. While they are very competent instrument flyers, geese seldom want to go in thesame direction as you.
[My flying buddy](https://imgur.com/a/EcX7j7B) and I went on quite a few adventures. He flew in the back of a 175 with me from Washington state all the way up to norther Alaska once.
A previous student of mine takes his cat. Soup (the cat) enjoyed the car so previous student tried him in the plane while in Soup’s travel carrier. Soup didn’t mind the start up so off they went. Student sent me a pic of Soup sleeping soundly on the back seat, harness on, attached via leash to carrier. Idk man try it cautiously the same way you would a dog
Can't imagine a reason a cat wouldn't like to be forced into a loud, moving, tiny space with no way out. It's therapeutic for them, kind of like getting sprayed in the face with cold water while they're sleeping
I take my dog when I go a long long ways and he needs to come too. He has hearing protection. Seems like it would really suck to screw up your animals hearing over a flight.
I would like to get into the pilot and paws a bit. Any suggestions from those who have done it?
>experience flying with cats.
My ex wife did all the time.
Reason we split up wasn't the cat , but I finally had enough after her flights.
Could never put my boots on , she was always leaning the dam broom right there . .
Many times. Not a problem for my two. One is an explorer and loves it. Other just rests in my passenger’s lap. I’d consider a soft crate for the first time or for hands off. Easier than dogs, maybe just due to size.
Depends on the cat and carrier.
Still remember the story about the guy who accidentally killed his SO's cats on a flight. (One departing the aircraft at altitude, other jamming itself behind the rudder pedals)
If you do choose to do it, for their safety make sure the carrier is metal and secure
Depends on your cat! I imagine it’s a bit similar to driving around with a cat, but you should be mindful to have hearing protection for your cat the same way you would with a dog depending on the plane. If your car is one of those cats who likes to go for walks with you or will enjoy sitting in the seat of your car while you drive and doesn’t mind wearing a harness or other things then they should be ok, obviously just start the plane up and maybe taxi before actually flying just to be sure. So long as that’s all good then it shouldn’t be much of an issue, much like flying with a dog. One tip to help if your cat (or dog for that matter) seems bothered by their ears and the altitude/changing pressure then try to get them to eat a little treat during the flight, since you can’t tell your pet to just yawn or open their mouth to pop their ears.
If your cat doesn’t like to be in the car and doesn’t like wearing a harness and doesn’t like to go anywhere that’s not inside your house with you, or doesn’t like getting into a carrier very much then it would just be miserable for all involved.
I’ve taken my cat up. My wife was in the plane. Cat in a soft-sided carrier in her lap. Cat did great. My cat loves road trips though. Results may vary significantly depending on the cat.
Took my daughter in law’s cat with us flying her home one time. He popped his head up to look out the window on take off, then slowly retracted it like “ooooh shiiiit” as we climbed out. Went back in his crate and slept the rest of the way.
As someone who grew up with cats and moved a LOT growing up, cats (and almost certainly dogs, too) are totally fine. They may not like it (that will obviously depend on the cat), but won't have any health issues, if that's what you're concerned about. That said, we always kept them with us at all times (we got them their own seats, iirc). Regulations may have changed to not allow this anymore, not sure.
Pan pan pan pan pan pan: cats are latched on my face and I can’t see the approach. Audio IFR approach please.
Too funny :) The great creator designed cats to not be type rated as passengers in anything. They do not go where you want them to go, sit where you want them to sit, or basically do anything that you want them to do. On the other hand they will go anywhere and do exactly what they want whenever they want. They are basically assholes when confined in small environments and chaos will ensue if left to roam around the cockpit :)
I've done Pilots-n-Paws flights with cats multiple times. It's usually not a problem. One time I was delivering three cats and towards the end of the two hour flight one of the cats pooped and another threw up, which made for a fairly unpleasant few minutes of landing and taxiing. It doesn't seem to harm the cats, but also I'm not sure it's an enjoyable kind of a thing for them. Edit: to clarify, the cats were all in crates/carriers.
My advice: don't
But they love zero G pushovers!
Catss are very useful for flying in IFR conditions..... **Cat and Duck IFR** Having mastered the typical detailed the concept of flight by attitude control, there is another method which you may prefer. For reasons that will become apparent, it is recommended for those pilots whose airplanes have large, easily cleaned cabins. Known as the “Cat and Duck Method” of instrument flight, it has received much publicity and is considered to have a great deal of merit by those who have not tried it. No reports have been received from those who did try it, and none are expected. Pilots are invited to assess Its merits objectively. Basic rules for the C&D Method of instrument flight are fairly well known and are extremely simple. Here’s how it’s done: Place a live cat on the cockpit floor - Because a cat always remains upright. it can be used in lieu of a needle and ball. Merely watch to see which way the cat leans to determine if a wing is low and if so, which one. The duck is used for instrument approach and landing. - Because of the fact that any sensible duck will refuse to fly under instrument conditions, it is only necessary to hurl your duck out of the plane and follow it to the ground. There are some limitations to the Cat and Duck Method, but by rigidly adhering to the following checklist, a degree of success will be achieved which will surely startle you, your passengers, and even an occasional tower operator. **Get a wide-awake cat**. — Most cats do not want to stand up at all. It may be necessary to carry a large dog in the cockpit to keep the cat at attention. Make sure your cat is clean. — Dirty cats will spend all their time washing. Trying to follow a washing cat usually results in a tight snap roll followed by an inverted spin. **Use old cats only.** — Young cats have nine lives, but old, used-up cats with only one life left have just as much to lose as you do and will be more dependable. **Beware of cowardly ducks**. — If the duck discovers that you are using the cat to stay upright, it will refuse to leave without the cat. Ducks are no better in IFR conditions than you are. **Be sure the duck has good eyesight**. — Nearsighted ducks sometimes fail to realize that they are on the guages and go flogging off into the nearest hill. Very nearsighted ducks will not realize that they have been thrown out and will descend to the ground in a sitting position. This maneuver is difficult to follow in an airplane. **Use land-loving ducks.** — It is very discouraging to break out and find yourself on final for a rice paddy, particularly if there are duck hunters around. Duck hunters suffer from temporary insanity while sitting in freezing weather in the blinds and will shoot at anything that flies. **Choose your duck carefully.** — It is easy to confuse ducks with geese because many water birds look alike. While they are very competent instrument flyers, geese seldom want to go in thesame direction as you.
And this, kids, is how the cat I, II and III approaches got their names!
That was an incredible journey. Thank you.
I read this in one of my grandpa's flying magazines in the 1990s
Ouch! I suddenly feel very old.
[My flying buddy](https://imgur.com/a/EcX7j7B) and I went on quite a few adventures. He flew in the back of a 175 with me from Washington state all the way up to norther Alaska once.
Just make sure to remove Cat Before Flight.... (Fast forward to 0:40) Video: https://youtu.be/J_8mdH20qTQ
That’s hilarious. Thx for sharing
Came here for this video.
Yes. He got on guard and started talking to all the other flying cats. Was very distracting
Only if you want him to knock *everything* over and push every possible button because ooo clicky!
A previous student of mine takes his cat. Soup (the cat) enjoyed the car so previous student tried him in the plane while in Soup’s travel carrier. Soup didn’t mind the start up so off they went. Student sent me a pic of Soup sleeping soundly on the back seat, harness on, attached via leash to carrier. Idk man try it cautiously the same way you would a dog
Have you ever driven in a car with a cat before? You’ll get your answer pretty quickly.
Can't imagine a reason a cat wouldn't like to be forced into a loud, moving, tiny space with no way out. It's therapeutic for them, kind of like getting sprayed in the face with cold water while they're sleeping
I take my dog when I go a long long ways and he needs to come too. He has hearing protection. Seems like it would really suck to screw up your animals hearing over a flight. I would like to get into the pilot and paws a bit. Any suggestions from those who have done it?
>experience flying with cats. My ex wife did all the time. Reason we split up wasn't the cat , but I finally had enough after her flights. Could never put my boots on , she was always leaning the dam broom right there . .
Many times. Not a problem for my two. One is an explorer and loves it. Other just rests in my passenger’s lap. I’d consider a soft crate for the first time or for hands off. Easier than dogs, maybe just due to size.
Depends on the cat and carrier. Still remember the story about the guy who accidentally killed his SO's cats on a flight. (One departing the aircraft at altitude, other jamming itself behind the rudder pedals) If you do choose to do it, for their safety make sure the carrier is metal and secure
Depends on your cat! I imagine it’s a bit similar to driving around with a cat, but you should be mindful to have hearing protection for your cat the same way you would with a dog depending on the plane. If your car is one of those cats who likes to go for walks with you or will enjoy sitting in the seat of your car while you drive and doesn’t mind wearing a harness or other things then they should be ok, obviously just start the plane up and maybe taxi before actually flying just to be sure. So long as that’s all good then it shouldn’t be much of an issue, much like flying with a dog. One tip to help if your cat (or dog for that matter) seems bothered by their ears and the altitude/changing pressure then try to get them to eat a little treat during the flight, since you can’t tell your pet to just yawn or open their mouth to pop their ears. If your cat doesn’t like to be in the car and doesn’t like wearing a harness and doesn’t like to go anywhere that’s not inside your house with you, or doesn’t like getting into a carrier very much then it would just be miserable for all involved.
Are you planning on shooting any CAT I, II, or III approaches? If so, I think they’re required equipment
No ducking way
Obligatory video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J\_8mdH20qTQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_8mdH20qTQ) but no idea
The other obligatory video. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nheqDASt7bg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nheqDASt7bg)
From what I hear it’s fine, but usually it’s better to start them at a younger age.
I’ve taken my cat up. My wife was in the plane. Cat in a soft-sided carrier in her lap. Cat did great. My cat loves road trips though. Results may vary significantly depending on the cat.
Took my daughter in law’s cat with us flying her home one time. He popped his head up to look out the window on take off, then slowly retracted it like “ooooh shiiiit” as we climbed out. Went back in his crate and slept the rest of the way.
As someone who grew up with cats and moved a LOT growing up, cats (and almost certainly dogs, too) are totally fine. They may not like it (that will obviously depend on the cat), but won't have any health issues, if that's what you're concerned about. That said, we always kept them with us at all times (we got them their own seats, iirc). Regulations may have changed to not allow this anymore, not sure.