Student Pilot Emergency When Instructor Passes Out
lucaas
20 min, 39 sec
Student pilot Max Sylvester was forced to make an emergency landing when his instructor became unconscious during their third lesson.
Summary
- On August 31, 2019, at Jandakot Airport, Max Sylvester had to take control of a Cessna 152 when his instructor became unconscious.
- With only a few minutes of control experience and his family waiting, Max communicated with air traffic control to safely land the aircraft.
- He successfully landed the plane on his fifth attempt after being guided by air traffic control and an instructor from the tower.
- Max's instructor was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a brain tumor; Max was credited with saving both their lives.
Chapter 1
Max Sylvester's third flying lesson turns into a life-threatening emergency.
- Max Sylvester, in his third flying lesson, finds himself alone in the cockpit when his instructor becomes unconscious.
- With minimal flying experience, Max must face the daunting task of landing the Cessna 152 safely.
Chapter 2
Max contacts air traffic control to declare an emergency and seek guidance.
- Max identifies himself as Tango Fox Romeo and reports the emergency situation to the air traffic control tower.
- Air traffic control responds, trying to ascertain the situation and guide Max to lower his engine power for better communication.
Chapter 3
Max provides details about his position, the incapacitated instructor, and his aircraft.
- Max communicates his lack of experience, the condition of his instructor, and his current altitude to air traffic control.
- He is directed to maintain wing level, consistent speed, and altitude while air traffic control identifies his location.
Chapter 4
Air traffic control visually locates Max's aircraft and guides him towards Jandakot Airport.
- Max is advised to fly towards the airport and land on Runway 30, with air traffic control activating visual aids for guidance.
- With no other traffic in the area, Max is reassured and instructed to focus on flying and getting comfortable with the runway.
Chapter 5
Max is guided through the landing preparation process, including managing airspeed and altitude.
- Max is instructed to fly a circuit around the runway to get familiar with the landing approach.
- Air traffic control advises on maintaining appropriate airspeed and RPM to ensure a stable approach.
Chapter 6
Max receives detailed landing instructions and practices approaches to the runway.
- Max practices approaches to the runway, getting feedback on his altitude and approach quality.
- He is reassured by air traffic control that he is doing well and is encouraged to continue practicing.
Chapter 7
After multiple attempts and continuous guidance, Max successfully lands the aircraft.
- Max continues to adjust his flying under guidance, aiming to reduce airspeed and maintain a proper approach to the runway.
- On his fifth attempt, with precise instructions from an instructor in the tower, Max successfully lands the plane.
Chapter 8
Max's emergency landing concludes with family reunification and recognition of his bravery.
- After landing, Max stops the aircraft on the runway where emergency vehicles meet him.
- He reunites with his family, and his instructor is taken to the hospital, where he is diagnosed with a brain tumor.