PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Could you land if pilot died ?
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Old 16th Apr 2009, 11:44
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BelArgUSA
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AEP
Age: 80
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This King Air passenger was actually a former PPL/SEP.
He was likely to have a pretty good idea as to what to do to fly the plane.
You might not have a swim since 20 years, yet if falling in water, you remember how.
xxx
I have often invited "non-pilot guests" in simulators during training sessions.
Often, if some 15-20 minutes remained available, I offered them "to land" the airplane.
On autopilot, the only "dont touch switch" is the autopilot disconnect button.
Remember - when "pilots die" - 99% chances that the plane is on autopilot.
To my opinion, landing a Cessna or a Piper might present more problems than airliners.
In a 747 or any airliner - just move the correct switch as you are told.
xxx
These "guests" were told what to do, which switch to move, what heading or speed to dial.
Exactly like can be done on radio.
"Rotate selector clockwise in center of glareshield to LAND position"...
With autoland/autothrottle/autobrakes... you remain on centerline until stop after landing.
Just like magic...
xxx

Happy contrails
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