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Pilot dies midflight, plane lands safely
The unfortunate death of a Continental Airlines pilot today is nevertheless calming fears of many a flying-phobe: even with one pilot down, a plane can safely land.
During the flight from Brussels to Newark, the 60-year-old pilot allegedly died of "natural causes" (the first doctor to respond in the air reports that it was likely a heart attack). Passengers weren't told of the death, and fight attendants continued serving snacks. A relief pilot on board took over, and with another co-pilot safely finished the flight.
Emergency crews met the plane as a precaution, but the Boeing 777 touched down without incident, and on time.
[Via MSNBC]
Filed under: Europe, North America, Belgium, United States, Airlines, Ecotourism, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dan at Airships.net Jun 18th 2009 11:36PM
First, of course, my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased pilot.
But if I had been the First Officer on that flight, I might have been pretty insulted -- and ticked off -- that they had emergency equipment on hand for my landing. Captains and FO's routinely alternate who flies (and lands) the plane; 50% of the time, your plane is landed by the FO in any case... and no "emergency equipment" is required.
If a Part 121 carrier like Continental employed first officers who were NOT completely capable of making a routine landing.... now THAT would be the emergency. (But that is not the case.)
masanddjs Jun 19th 2009 2:58AM
Isn't there a mandatory retirement age? It seems to be that after age 55, all pilots should have to undergo annual mandatory cardiac examinations!
Ryan Jun 21st 2009 2:22PM
The retirement age was recently increased to 65 from 60. Any airline pilot must pass a medical exam every so often (I believe 6 months if age > 40). The standards can be found here:
http://flightphysical.com/part67/Class1/67subb.htm
More specifically, the cardiovascular standards:
http://flightphysical.com/part67/Class1/67subb_67111.htm
Certainly one pilot's death is not cause enough to lower a pilot's retirement age, there are going to be numerous other factors involved. For example: fatigue, work and family related stress, or even the pilot's diet and exercise habits and family history.