I took my girlfriend flying for the first time today in a small general aviation airplane. We flew out of KSEE in a A36 Bonanza. The pilot was an experienced instructor and I let her sit in the front seat - a fact not wasted on her and won me many bonus points!
We flew out over the beach from La Jolla down past Seal Beach and back below 500'. The weather was perfect and it was very smooth. We had some close passes with some banner tow aircraft and others cruising the beach. I can see how you get complancent with TCAS or radar
Then we flew inland around Ramona and he let her have a shot at the controls. She did very well and I was impressed - though she did get serious tunnel vision. In the end he even let her land back at Gillespie.
In the end - it was a great experience to share my passion for flying with her (even from the backseat) and I might have even created a future flight student!

USMCFLYR