Passenger lands Cessna Caravan in West Palm Beach after pilot incapacitation

[ExRR]

I'm not a pilot. I've had one introductory lesson (no take off or landing, but approach) and spent many hours on Flight Simulator. But additionally I've been handed the controls quite a few times (various small Cessnas and an Islander). My friend who took me up in the Cessnas would involve me in all aspects, from basic checks prior to getting in the plane, changing frequencies, throttle/pitch control, flaps, flight maps/navigation etc. And of course I would pick up the radio terms. I don't think back in those days I would have had any problem maintaining flight, checking instruments and talking to someone on the radio. And whilst I would have been nervous I would hope that I could have got us onto the ground under guidance. With some basic knowledge it's not that hard if condtions are good and the aircraft is operating normally.

[threep]

Having watched this video on YouTube from the Mentor Pilot channel, it looks pretty convincing to me that the passenger with no flight experience did indeed land that Cessna Caravan

You Tube

[magari]

Originally Posted by meleagertoo

I read elsewhere that the pilot-passenger says he "dragged the pilot out of his seat".
It is almost impossible to remove a pilot from a 737 seat if incapacitated, even with all the considerable space around. Having flown the Caravan extensively and knowing the houdini -like exercise it is to get a fully mobile person from front seats to cabin I thoroughly doubt this part of the story so for me it casts some doubt on the veracity of other details too.
He did well if he pulled off a flapless landing too, those things are quite reluctant to slow down and float forever landing flap up.

The guy is built. Looks like a bull. So the strength is definitely there to move the guy.