Originally Posted by
what next
There are later Citation 560 models (the 560XLS and XLS+) whose autopilot has an automatic emergency descent mode. One prerequisite for that are electronically controllable engines (FADEC) which this 1990 model did not have, unless retrofitted at some later stage.
But there is a much easier and non-technical way by which some of these accidents, including the one over the Baltic Sea referenced above, can be prevented: Employ a second pilot. Money seems to have been no issue here, the aircraft owners could even afford to donate hundreds of thousands of Dollars to politicians. What are a few hunderd Dollars per flight in comparison to that?
Helios Airways Flight 522 had two proffesional, experienced pilots in the cockpit. That did not prevent death of everyone aboard.
I think that some automation might help - as already sugggested it is available on some more modern airplanes. And there is even emergency panic button for passengers available, that sends certain types of GA airplanes to automatic landing. (in case of pilot incapacitation, but passengers staying alert)
It seems there will be more single pilot incapacitation incidents in the future, as average age of pilots in those small jets goes up, methinks.