Passengers left in shock: 'Is there a pilot onboard?'
Passengers on a FlySafair plane might have been left quite shocked after an announcement asked whether there was another pilot onboard.
Passengers aboard a FlySafair flight from George to Johannesburg were momentarily stunned on Wednesday, 29 January, when an announcement over the intercom asked if there were any qualified pilots on board.
Although the incident may have alarmed some, FlySafair swiftly reassured passengers that the request was a standard operational procedure following the captain’s sudden illness.
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Speaking to Breakfast with Martin Bester, FlySafair's Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon, explained that the captain of flight FA711 began feeling unwell while preparing for descent.
As per aviation protocols, the co-pilot assumed command and proceeded with all necessary safety measures. This included making a public call for any additional qualified pilots on board and securing priority landing clearance at O.R. Tambo International Airport.
"The co-pilot asked whether there were any pilots onboard, just like you would ask if there is a doctor onboard during a medical emergency," said Gordon.
Despite the unexpected circumstances, the co-pilot executed a textbook landing at 12:30 without incident.
Fortunately, there was also someone with a pilot's license on board who then joined the co-pilot in the cockpit.
Emergency medical personnel were on standby and immediately attended to the captain, who was assisted off the aircraft for further medical evaluation.
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While there was speculation regarding the nature of his illness, Gordon confirmed that the pilot was “okay,” but he couldn’t share any further information.
Due to procedural requirements, the aircraft had to be towed to its designated parking spot, as the co-pilot could not taxi the plane alone from his side of the cockpit.
"FlySafair commends the co-pilot for his professionalism and strict adherence to safety protocols. We wish our colleague a speedy recovery and thank both our crew and passengers for their cooperation and understanding during the incident," Gordon stated.
For passengers, what could have been a cause for alarm turned into a demonstration of aviation safety protocols working seamlessly. While the announcement may have raised eyebrows, it ultimately showcased the industry’s unwavering commitment to passenger safety and preparedness for any scenario.
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Image: X/ FlySafair