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Showing posts from August, 2006

Pilot Incapacitation

Passengers in my plane almost always aren’t rated pilots, but typically have some piloting experience and in principle are able to take over in case of pilot incapacitation – a very unlikely, but nevertheless possible event.  It is a useful idea to discuss that scenario with the passenger. Here is a summary of the main points for that discussion. I keep a copy in the plane to be used as checklist by the passenger if the real thing happens.  It is assumed that this is a VFR flight outside class B, C, and D space in a plane with fixed tricycle gear. Checklist for Pilot Incapacitation 1. Stabilize the airplane to straight and level before undertaking anything else.  Get the pilot away from the control stick, but otherwise do not try to help the pilot.  Just focus on action to get the plane safely on the ground.   2. Check fuel gauge(s) and estimate endurance. If the plane has a complicated fuel management system, do no try to master it, but estimate endurance if no f