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Crew Incapacitation
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| Article Information | ||
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| Category: | Human Behaviour | 
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| Content source: | SKYbrary | 
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| Content control: | EUROCONTROL | 
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Crew Incapacitation
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Definition
Flight Crew Incapacitation results in the inability of a member of a flight crew to carry out their normal duties because of the onset during flight of the effects of physiological factors.
Description
Incapacitation may occur as a result of:
- The effects of Hypoxia (insufficient oxygen) associated with an absence of normal pressurisation system function at altitudes above 10,000 ft.
- Smoke or Fumes associated with an In-Flight Fire or with contamination of the air conditioning system.
- Food Poisoning.
- Being asleep.
- A medical condition such as a heart attack, stroke or seizure or transient mental abnormality.
- A malicious or hostile act such as assault by an unruly passenger, terrorist action or small arms fire, or lasers.
In the multi crew case, incapacitation may be obvious immediately, become progressively evident, or escape notice altogether until an unexpected absence of response or action occurs.
Effects
Naturally if both pilots of a multi crew aircraft, or the single pilot in the case of a small aicraft, become incapacitated then the safety of the flight is liable to be severely compromised and Loss of Control may result. A subtle incapacitation of one of two pilots may present a similar risk, especially at low level and particularly if it occurs during a precision approach in Low Visibility Procedures.
Loss of Separation may be a secondary effect of of total crew incapacitation or side effect of the additional workload imposed upon the remaining crew member(s).
Solutions
The key to avoiding serious problems from the incapacitation of one pilot in a multi crew aircraft is the availability of appropriate SOPs and recurrent training which encourages their use if necessary.
Correct use of both the aircraft pressurisation sysytem and, if necessary, emergency oxygen supplies will both prevent Hypoxia and protect the crew from the effects of Smoke and Fumes. Theraputic Oxygen supplies can also alleviate the condition of a crew member or passenger suffering a medical condition. Staggering crew meal times and ensuring that each pilot eats different meals both prior to and during flight, will reduce the chance of both pilots becoming incapacitated due to Food Poisoning. Intentional sleep whilst on the flight deck may be relevant on long haul flights but can only take place if an appropriate SOP exists and is applied.
The first indication that a controller might get of total flight crew incapacitation is Loss of Communication. Having tried all means to contact the aircraft, without radio contact it is extremely difficult for a controller to ascertain what is happening on an aircraft. If the aircraft’s autopilot is engaged then it will likely follow the flight plan route to destination. Conforming with standard Loss of Communication procedures, military aircraft can be tasked to intercept the aircraft and inspect it visually but there is little that a controller can do other then ensure the safety of surrounding traffic by maintaining separation.
Related Articles
- Emergency Depressurisation
- Fire in the Air
- Accident and Serious Incident Reports: Crew Incapacitation
- Laser Safety in Navigable Airspace
Further Reading
- [http://www.skybrary.aero/bookshelf/books/952.pdf Diabetes mellitus and its effects on
pilot performance and flight safety]