Flight Crew Incapacitation

Question 1

Procedures

Answer 1

If the Captain or First Officer is incapacitated, a PAN must be declared.

Summary of actions in the event of crew incapacitation follows:

challenge abnormal operation;

take over if response not given after the challenge has been repeated;

maintain safe flight condition;

remove and care for stricken crew member;

organise landing;

do not rush or take short cuts.

Question 2

Cabin Crew usage for Pilot Incapacitation

Answer 2

A Cabin Crew member should be seated in a flight deck jumpseat where there is only one remaining non incapacitated Flight Crew member. The Cabin Crew member will remain on the flight deck until arrival at the parking position, to monitor the health of the remaining Flight Crew member and provide assistance as directed.

Question 3

Flight Deck Seating during Incapacitation

Answer 3

22.8.3 Flight Deck Seating
If incapacitation occurs:

maximum use should be made of automatic flight to reduce workload;

obtain help from suitably qualified positioning crew members if available;

the vacant crew seat should only be occupied by Flight Crew.

consider a diversion in the event the destination is a restricted airport or a low visibility approach is needed.

If the Pilot In Command is incapacitated:

The First Officer should fly the aircraft from the Right Hand Seat (RHS) and the Second Officer, if carried, should be used in the Left Hand Seat (LHS) to provide support duties.

After landing, the aircraft can be taxied but approaching the terminal, the aircraft should be stopped and a tow requested into the gate.

If the First Officer is incapacitated:

The Second Officer, if carried, should occupy the RHS for the remainder of the sector.

If incapacitation occurs:

maximum use should be made of automatic flight to reduce workload;

obtain help from suitably qualified positioning crew members if available;

the vacant crew seat should only be occupied by Flight Crew.

consider a diversion in the event the destination is a restricted airport or a low visibility approach is needed.

If the Pilot In Command is incapacitated:

The First Officer should fly the aircraft from the Right Hand Seat (RHS).

After landing, the aircraft should be stopped and a tow requested into the gate.