The Immediate Response
The first moments of a cockpit crisis are critical. If one pilot becomes incapacitated, whether subtly or obviously, the other pilot is trained to take immediate and decisive control of the aircraft. The first priority is always to 'aviate'—that is, to fly
the plane. The remaining pilot will verbally declare, "I have control," to establish command and then stabilise the aircraft's flight path. If the autopilot is engaged, it might be left on to reduce workload while the pilot assesses the situation. The next step is to secure the affected pilot to ensure they do not interfere with the flight controls. Cabin crew may be called to the cockpit to assist, moving the pilot’s seat back and securing them with the harness. This action ensures the remaining pilot has unobstructed access and control.
Declaring an Emergency
Once the aircraft is stable, the pilot communicates the situation to the outside world. This involves declaring an emergency with Air Traffic Control (ATC). In a case of pilot incapacitation, this is considered a 'distress' situation, warranting a "Mayday" call, the highest level of urgency. The pilot will inform ATC about the nature of the emergency, enabling them to clear airspace and provide immediate assistance. This declaration makes the flight a top priority for air traffic controllers, who will begin coordinating a new plan to get the aircraft on the ground safely and quickly. If radio communication is difficult, pilots can also use a transponder to squawk the code 7700, which is the universal signal for an emergency, alerting all surrounding ATC centres.
The Co-Pilot is a Fully Trained Pilot
A common misconception is that a co-pilot, or First Officer, is simply an apprentice. This is incorrect. A First Officer is a fully qualified pilot who is trained to the same high standards as the Captain for all phases of flight, including takeoffs, landings, and emergencies. Captains and First Officers typically take turns flying the aircraft on different legs of a journey. The key difference is that the Captain holds the ultimate legal command and responsibility for the flight. In the event a Captain becomes incapacitated, the First Officer is fully trained and authorised to assume the role of Pilot in Command, manage the emergency, and land the aircraft safely.
Choosing a New Destination
Continuing to the original destination is rarely an option in a serious medical emergency. The priority shifts to landing at the nearest suitable airport. The decision to divert the flight is made by the remaining pilot in coordination with the airline's operations centre and ATC. Several factors influence the choice of a diversion airport: the length and condition of the runway, the availability of emergency medical services, current weather conditions, and the aircraft's fuel status. ATC plays a crucial role by providing information on nearby airports and clearing a path for the emergency flight, ensuring other air traffic stays out of the way.
Technology to the Rescue
Modern aircraft are equipped with sophisticated technology that can significantly reduce the workload on a single pilot. The autopilot can manage heading, altitude, and speed, freeing up the pilot to focus on checklists, communication, and decision-making. Furthermore, many commercial airliners have 'autoland' capabilities. This system, when engaged at a compatible airport, can automatically guide the aircraft through the final approach and landing, even controlling the rollout on the runway. While pilots monitor the process, autoland is especially valuable in low-visibility conditions or during a high-stress, single-pilot situation. Some newer aircraft even feature emergency autoland systems that can be activated by passengers in a worst-case scenario where both pilots are incapacitated.
Landing and Aftermath
As the aircraft approaches its diversion airport, emergency services on the ground are put on high alert. Fire crews and medical teams will be standing by as the plane lands. The remaining pilot will perform the landing, either manually or with the assistance of the autoland system. Once on the ground, medical personnel will immediately attend to the incapacitated crew member. Passengers are deplaned, and the airline takes over their care and onward travel arrangements. Every such incident is followed by a thorough review to see if procedures can be further improved, reinforcing the aviation industry's relentless focus on safety.
