Your dream about flying in the plane with your friends, particularly with Ryan at the helm, can be rich in symbolism and meaning. Flying generally represents freedom, ambition, and a desire to rise above challenges in your life. The specifics of your dream, however, provide deeper insights.

1. The Plane and Flight: The airplane can symbolize your journey in life or a project you’re involved in. The fact that it was an 8-seater and you were flying with friends suggests that you may be navigating a shared experience or collaboration with others.
2. Ryan’s Role: Ryan taking on a manic persona may indicate your feelings or perceptions about leadership and trust. This could reflect concerns about someone in your life taking charge or feeling unprepared. His laughter and assurance might symbolize a dismissive attitude toward risks or problems.
3. Weight and Balance: Your concern about the weight distribution hints at issues of responsibility and balance in your life. It could signify feelings of unease about how responsibilities are shared among you and your peers. The struggle to gain elevation suggests that you may feel weighed down by certain aspects of your life or that your current path is not sustainable.
4. Flying Low: The low altitude might represent feelings of insecurity or being grounded by realities in your life. You may be trying to navigate challenges without fully taking flight, perhaps indicating a fear of taking risks.
5. The Turn and the Lamppost: The close call with the lamppost could symbolize a fear of failure or a perceived threat in your life. It may suggest navigating through obstacles but feeling precarious in doing so. The stress Ryan exhibited could reflect your own anxiety about how you and those around you manage challenges.
6. Waking Up Before Landing: The abrupt end of the dream might indicate unresolved issues or a situation in your life that requires further attention. You may be feeling uncertain about the direction you’re heading in or the outcomes of your current endeavors.

In summary, your dream seems to reflect themes of collaboration, responsibility, and navigating challenges with friends. It might be a good time to assess how you share responsibilities within your relationships and whether you feel secure in the direction you and your friends are headed. Consider discussing any concerns you might have openly with those involved, as clear communication can help alleviate some of the stress you may be feeling.