Jet2 plane diverted to Porto after pilot falls ill at the controls

[Final 3 Greens]

Originally Posted by Smalahove

Oh, I dunno, if the captain was having a heart attack and Funchal was the nearest airport, I would definitely consider it.

I wouldn't, I'd go to Porto Santo, which has a sodding long/wide runway without the complications of FNC, an emergency medical centre to look after the ill pilot and is minutes flying time away from Funchal, if he needs to be transferred.

Better to take the easier landing and safeguard 100 odd people, whilst offering a good solution for the pilot.

Then again, I'm only a PPL, but I have paxed in and out of both those airports and they are chalk and cheese.

[Herod]

As far as I can see, the Funchal/Porto Santo argument is irrelevant. The aircraft wasn't near either airport. The nearest was Porto, an excellent decision by the F.O.

BTW, for outsiders who may be on here, in most airlines (certainly the ones I have worked for) the F.O. is trained to exactly the same standard as the captain. Less experience perhaps, but no less capable.

Having said that, yes, Funchal is captains only.