Incapacitation can manifest itself in a variety of ways ranging from obvious sudden death to subtle, partial loss of function. This type of incident can occur in any phase of fight, not only in cruise and not just by loss of consciousness.
Immediate Actions
ANY form of incapacitation is serious. As the actual extent of impairment cannot be determined, treat all cases as if they were complete incapacitation. Your first responsibility is to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft.
The stricken pilot may be suffering from a life-threatening illness. Do not let your natural concern for the victim’s health interfere with your primary duty - that of safe aircraft operation. The mnemonic CHASE may help organize your actions:
Control the aircraft Help! Declare an emergency and alert other crew Assess the situation Secure the victim and cockpit Explain your plan to ATC and other crew members
1 - Control the Aircraft Additional pilot takes command. (“I have control.”)
The stricken pilot may interfere with flight controls. Do whatever is necessary to maintain control of the aircraft.
If you need to restrain the victim, do only what is needed to deal with an immediate threat to control. You will have time to further secure the victim. Climb to and maintain a safe altitude clear of obstacles and traffic.
If you are on an approach which has destabilized, initiate a missed approach, following standard procedures. You may not have access to a checklist, so take extra care to accomplish essential tasks.
Keep your thoughts organized. Saying your actions out loud may help you to stay focused. If the aircraft is autopilot equipped, engage the autopilot at an operationally safe altitude to lessen your workload.
2 - Help! Declare an emergency as soon as workload permits. Alert other crew that you have a problem.
3 - Assess the Situation Take time to determine the status of the flight. How much fuel do you have? Is your destination still the best choice, given the situation? Are other airports with better facilities and better weather close by?
4 - Secure the cRewmember and Cockpit
If possible, enlist the help of other crew or passengers to prevent the victim from interfering with control of the aircraft. Move the victim’s seat to its full aft position, and lock the shoulder harness (if equipped) to prevent the victim from falling forward.
Once the victim is no longer a direct threat to the flight, the pilot(s) must continue to fly the aircraft. Their responsibility is to safely fly the aircraft to the nearest suitable airport for landing.
Strive to return the flight deck to normal operation. The fewer procedural changes required, the greater the likelihood of a safe arrival. The victim’s chances of recovery are greatest if you land safely.
5 – Coordinate the Plan to ATC and Crew
When duties permit, advise ATC of the nature of the emergency. The controller will coordinate Emergency Response Services at the airport of your choice, and may suggest alternate destinations with superior emergency services.
Emergency Evacuations 22
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61
