What should be the first thing done in the event of a pilot incapacitation?

What should be the first thing done in the event of a pilot incapacitation?

• A. Try get them out their seat
• B. Call ground control
• C. Close the cockpit door
• D. Notify passengers

Answer: (A)

The first priority is to maintain control of the aircraft. If a pilot becomes incapacitated, the other pilot must be able to take over the flight controls as quickly as possible. The quickest way to do that is to free the primary controls by removing the incapacitated pilot from the seat, allowing the remaining pilot to assume control and stabilize the aeroplane. Only after control is established should the crew call ATC, declare an emergency, and coordinate flight management and passenger communication. Closing the cockpit door or notifying passengers are actions that come after securing control, and while important, they do not take precedence in the immediate moment.

The first priority is to maintain control of the aircraft. If a pilot becomes incapacitated, the other pilot must be able to take over the flight controls as quickly as possible. The quickest way to do that is to free the primary controls by removing the incapacitated pilot from the seat, allowing the remaining pilot to assume control and stabilize the aeroplane. Only after control is established should the crew call ATC, declare an emergency, and coordinate flight management and passenger communication. Closing the cockpit door or notifying passengers are actions that come after securing control, and while important, they do not take precedence in the immediate moment.