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The flight attendant who helped land a plane when co-pilot had an emotional melt down was a hero
If you ever saw the movie Airplane, the spoof on airplane disaster movies, you probably still laugh out loud thinking about it. Remember the scene when Julie Hagerty took over for the co-pilot but had to fight off the automatic co-pilot who was a blow-up doll? She was trying to help Striker (Robert Hays) land the plane.
That was a spoof.
In a real life story, a female flight attendant recently came to the assistance of a Boeing 767 commander after the co-pilot had a mental meltdown. On an Air Canada flight from Toronto to London's Heathrow, the co-pilot, who had shown up for the flight acting slightly flustered and on edge -- not his usual outgoing, chipper self -- lost most of his marbles over the Atlantic.
After the co-pilot became increasingly belligerent and erratic, and refused to move from his seat, the flight commander asked the crew to help remove the co-pilot from his seat.
Once the co-pilot was removed -- into the capable hands of doctors who happened to be on board -- the flight attendant took over the co-pilot's job. She had a commercial pilot's license, thus was a huge help to the commander. The flight was diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland where she helped land the plane. Upon arrival, the co-pilot spent 11 days in a mental hospital before being transported back to Canada.
Although this real-life drama happened this past January, the investigation has just been completed. The commander and flight attendant were found to be heroes, although that term wasn't used in the official report.
The official report is an interesting read about how decisions are made in the air to keep both passengers and crew safe. It's a PDF file and was sent along by Gadling's own Kent Wien who has the insider track to about everything.
These girls were not quite as helpful as that flight attendant. Why not? Click the images to find out!
Filed under: United Kingdom, Canada, Airlines, Transportation, Airports, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Joel Nov 20th 2008 9:09PM
GAD...zooks!
joncdodge Nov 21st 2008 6:26PM
Did you hear that Health Officials are calling for Airline 'fat tax'
http://www.curiousread.com/2007/11/health-officials-call-for-airline-fat.html
What else are they going to charge us with?
DJ Nov 21st 2008 12:58AM
If she has a pilot's license, why is she pushing a cart?
Time for her to move up the ladder, I'd say.
Joe Nov 21st 2008 6:40AM
She has a "commercial" pilots license. One step above a PPL, but still a long ways away from actually flying a commercial aircraft. If she's made it this far she might be transitioning from the cabin and into the flight deck.
Yaya Nov 21st 2008 6:54AM
Having read the PDF File, I can only say that I am so proud of the entire Crew involved, not only for diverting a deadly accident but for the compassion shown toward their fallen Crew Member. This article makes no mention of the "fall out" for this Crewman. I truly hope that he is well, and that Air Canada resumes their relationship with him. Normally, I wouldn't post a schmaltzy cliche but here, truly, "There but for the Grace of God, go I" fits like a glove. We are all eiither Pilot or CoPilots of our own lives at any given time. We are all forced to live in times and an era that does little to promote growth, understanding, or an interest in the community of man. Thank You, to all involved. You truly are Heros on more than one level.
Tim Barnett Nov 21st 2008 3:32PM
Interesting, however, could you name one era that has been any better at doing the things you complain about? I can't.
mike vay Nov 21st 2008 7:17AM
are you kidding me?
dm Nov 21st 2008 7:33AM
Who'd think that a flight attendant would have a commercial pilots license. Thank god she was on that flight. Who knows what could have happened. I think it would be a good idea if maybe the airlines could train some flight attendants to fly a plane.
Adam Nov 21st 2008 8:36AM
It's not terribly likely that anything horrible would happen with just one pilot. They are trained to do both jobs and are more than capable of flying a plane by themselves. Prudence demands, as does a county's aviation auhtority, that a flight deck has two pilots. But to assume that something horrible would happen with just one pilot... folks have been watching too many movies.
Billy Nov 21st 2008 11:34AM
Not a good idea. As a professional pilot, I can assure you that flying an airplane is not like riding a bike. It is a skill that needs to be used often. It is not a skill that once learned you do not need to practice. I am also a flight instructor occasionally, and I can teach anyone to land a small plane pretty quickly, but the large plane I fly is a completly different story.
I do think the captain did an excellent job here and used his resources wisely to keep the passengers and crew safe.
Chris Nov 21st 2008 6:06PM
This is hype perpetuated by a naive media. The F/A is to be commended for having a pilot's license and jumping in the seat to help out, but she hardly saved the day. If both pilots had been incapacitated, that would be a different story.
As an airline captain, I can assure you that either the captain or the first officer could have flown the airplane solo to it's destination and landed it safely with no trouble.
susie Nov 21st 2008 7:45PM
ifly on midwest express if that ever happen ohmy god
Airborne Daddy Nov 25th 2008 2:16PM
What is unusual about an FA having a Commercial ticket? She/he could just as well have CG boating license, hunting and fishing licenses as well. One usually pursues that which one enjoys...the FA, in addition to her chosen occupation, enjoys flying; no mystery there! Weather he/she chooses to go into the flight deck is an entirely different matter. Fortunately, he/she knew about when to drop the gear, lower the flaps, and work the radios in approach, landing, and taxi...GOOD JOB, GUYS!
ela Nov 21st 2008 7:54AM
what would have happened if they didnt have someone who could be the co-pilot? can it be flown by 1 pilot,if not that is something airlines should prepare for in case something like this happened again.
cal10pilot Nov 21st 2008 3:33PM
oh please....you don't pay the crews what they're worth now, and you want to add more????
Jcdinform Nov 21st 2008 8:10AM
The co-pilot most likely had a Break down because he could no longer be a complicit traitor in spraying dangerous heavy metals, Fibers and Pathogen Chemical trails on the Innocent citizens below.
Delmar Griggs Nov 21st 2008 10:31AM
I am a pilot and believe I just saw you on my last flight. All you tree huggers are such liars it make me sick. I love the environment as much as anyone, but still love traveling. And, all you environmentalist that act like you’re doing so much are the first to fly everywhere to protest. If you have ever been to Europe, Australia or off the North American continent you most likely flew. The only true environmental friendly way to travel to these places would be on a sail boat, is that how you traveled half way around the world, liar?
Ray Nov 21st 2008 9:07AM
Big deal, the First Officer only has to work the radios, read checklists, and call out numbers. Its not a difficult job. Anyone who has any experience at all, could do the it. Sorry, on heroes here.
Sher Nov 21st 2008 8:36AM
Are you a part of or have anything to do with the airline industry?! If you are then SHAME ON YOU for such a demeaning and derogatory comment to the act of a crew who worked together on a possible serious situation! I comend the crew for doing what any crew should do...Stick together, work together, be a team,and help a fellow crew member in trouble!
Adam Nov 21st 2008 8:42AM
If you think that's all an F/O (first officer) does, then you have quite a bit to learn. Co-pilots are qualified pilots just the same as Captains. But someone has to be in charge. Many times F/O's have been captains for other carriers or even on other equipment types within their own company. And hey, dontcha think the Captain was an F/O at some point himself? I bet he knew exactly what his job was AND his co-pilot's. Geeze you folks watch too many Hollywood movies.