YE program & 'the rest of us'.
I am a low-time commercial pilot- ~2000 hrs.- and have flown hundreds of first-timers in the several acft I have owned, including an RV-4. I presently own a 'geezer hawk' 152/150 and have stopped flying 'newbies'. Why? Liability.
Not long ago, I participated in a public activity where there was an 'incident' involving a heavy, waddling-type woman who twisted her ankle on uneven ground, broke something and sued the 'H" out of the organizers (unrelated to aviation). Anyhow, since that event and having watched the thousands of dollars exchange hands in all directions, I am very hesitant to take anyone flying I do not know. And, even then there's that gnawing concern.. what if the kid's grandma/mother/whomever gets a walk-about injury as they are walking to my hangar on my field?
The last flying event I participated in had folks walking dogs on long leashes by spinning props, loose dogs running around starting-up acft, etc. Knowing how very much today's effete love there animals, imagine what that could cost in lawyer's fees.:rollseyes:
Anyhow, when I started flying many moons ago, kids were kids, hung on the fence and gratefully accepted a ride AND had <adult> parental permission sans lawyers.
I guess what I am saying is that part of the demise of the free-flying, ride-offering of yesteryear has to do with more than just the price of fuel. Be careful out there.