📖 Scenario
Last week, during cruise at FL350, the First Officer suddenly lost consciousness without warning. I immediately secured the aircraft under my sole control and called for the senior cabin crew member. A passenger who identified as a nurse provided medical assistance at the cockpit entrance. I declared a Mayday, squawked 7700, and diverted to the nearest suitable airport with adequate medical facilities. We landed without incident, and the First Officer was taken to hospital immediately.
Panel 1
First Officer collapses in right seat — Captain takes full sole control of the aircraft.
Panel 2
Captain calls cabin crew — FO unresponsive, medical assistance requested.
Panel 3
Passenger with medical training assists FO at cockpit entrance.
Panel 4
Emergency diversion — Captain lands single-pilot, FO transported to hospital on arrival.
💬 Examiner Q&A
1What is your first action when the First Officer loses consciousness?
Aviate first — I ensure the aircraft is on a safe flight path and the autopilot is engaged. I do not leave the controls. I then call the senior cabin crew member to attend to the FO and request any medically trained passenger to assist at the cockpit entrance.
2How do you declare an emergency as the sole operating pilot?
I transmit "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" on the current frequency, state my callsign, nature of emergency, souls on board, and fuel state. I squawk 7700. ATC will provide priority handling and coordinate emergency services at the diversion airport.
3How do you manage the approach and landing without a First Officer?
I request a long final and use maximum automation — a coupled ILS approach with autopilot to at least decision altitude where possible. I brief ATC that I am operating single-pilot. Checklist items are completed between ATC calls, and the senior cabin crew member is briefed before descent begins.
4What factors determine your choice of diversion airport?
The FO's medical condition drives the urgency. I consider proximity, available medical facilities on the ground, runway length, approach aids, and weather. I use the FMS nearest airport function and consult ATC for options. Speed is the priority — the FO needs medical attention as quickly as possible.
5After landing, what are your responsibilities?
I ensure the FO receives immediate medical care and brief the ground medical team on the FO's condition. I file an Air Safety Report and medical incident report. I notify company operations and remain available for the operator's investigation. The event will be reviewed for any procedural lessons.
