LAND A PLANE
Pilots spend thousands of hours learning to operate the wall of controls in modern cockpits. While autopilot systems make the majority of airtime downright mundane, landing a plane still requires a manual touch. If the pilot of your next flight is incapacitated, it may be up to you to take over.
Altitude Indicator
Autopilot
ATC Intercom
Throttle Levers
Yoke (Steering Wheel)
1: IDENTIFY the main controls and instruments. Pull back on the throttle to reduce speed, push forward to increase. Pull back on the yoke to increase altitude, push it forward to descend.
2: ESTABLISH a stable flight position. If the autopilot is on, leave it on. If the plane is in a turn, ascending, or descending, use the yoke and throttle to level the plane and reach a stable speed (~500 knots).
3: CALL ATC (Air Traffic Control) using the intercom to the left of the yoke. Say "Mayday," identify your flight number, and describe the situation.
4: FOLLOW ATC's guidance to adjust your speed, direction, and altitude to get lined up with the nearest runway. Deploy the landing gear as you're making your final approach.
5: PULL up on the yoke and pull back on the throttle just before you land to decrease speed and raise the nose of the plane.
6: DEPRESS the pedals at your feet to engage the wheel brakes and stop the plane.
