Could a Passenger Land a Plane in an Emergency?

It's a scenario that has captured the imagination of many, from popular movies to tales shared among friends. The idea that a passenger could land a plane in an emergency, saving lives and earning the title of 'Joe Hero,' is a captivating one. However, the reality of such a situation is far more complex than the romanticized versions often portrayed.

Can a Passenger Actually Land a Plane?

Yes, it is possible for a passenger to land a plane if they have received the necessary training and are familiar with the aircraft's systems. However, this is highly dependent on several factors, including the passenger's prior aviation experience and the type of aircraft involved. While there are indeed instances where passengers have intervened during emergencies, the notion of a passenger landing a plane does not align with the rigorous requirements needed for such a critical task.

Popular Myths and Reality

The idea of a passenger—often referred to as "Joe Hero"—taking control and safely landing a plane when the pilots are incapacitated is often dramatized in movies and television. These depictions, however, do not accurately reflect the real-world challenges and complexity of such an event. The scenarios in these fictional depictions are often simplified, glossing over the intensive training, experience, and detailed procedures required for such a situation.

My Experience: From Private Pilot to Simulator Expert

I have firsthand experience that provides insight into the realities of a passenger attempting to land a plane. My background includes a license as a private pilot with twin and instrument ratings, and over 500 hours as Pilot in Command in small planes. This background underscores my knowledge of how to fly a small aircraft. However, when faced with the prospect of landing a commercial jet, the challenge became significantly more daunting.

In 1998, I was given the opportunity to fly in the brand new 777 simulator at United Airlines' facility in Denver. Without specific instruction and guidance from the simulator instructors, landing the aircraft would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, on my first attempt or even my fifth try. This experience highlights the critical role that training and specific experience play in the ability to handle such a complex task.

The Role of Training and Familiarity

The key to landing a plane in an emergency, even if a passenger is well-versed in aviation, lies in the amount of training and familiarization with the aircraft's systems and procedures. A licensed private pilot with a significant amount of flying experience, such as myself, can still face considerable challenges in the cockpit of a commercial jet. The procedural differences between small planes and large commercial jets, along with the vast array of complex systems and controls, make this task highly non-trivial.

For a passenger to land a commercial jet, they would need:

Certification: A professional pilot with an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and appropriate type rating for the aircraft in distress. Experience: Extensive experience and near-sterile cockpit training to handle critical emergencies, including systems, procedures, and human factors. Familiarity: In-depth knowledge of the specific aircraft, systems, and procedures.

Without these qualifications and the necessary experience, the success rate of a passenger landing a plane would be low, with high potential for accidents or mishaps.

Conclusion

While the idea of a passenger landing a plane in an emergency is intriguing and often romanticized, the reality is far more nuanced. The ability to fly a plane, especially a commercial jet, is a highly specialized skill that requires extensive training and experience. A passenger without these qualifications would face significant challenges and would be unlikely to succeed in such a critical situation.

In my experience, even with my background as a private pilot, landing a commercial jet in a simulator would be a significant challenge, let alone doing so in a real-life emergency scenario. Therefore, while the concept of a passenger landing a plane is compelling, practical limitations and the dangers of such an endeavor should not be underestimated.