Many comparisons can be drawn between an airplane and a snake. One of the more benign is how getting close to either both fascinates and frightens people all within a heartbeat. I’ve raised snakes and flown airplanes and over the years I’ve learned that there’s just one goal in introducing either to the public: Make people want to have a close-up experience with them again.
Source: general aviation10 tips for a successful introductory flight