Pilot Incapacitation. Flight Crew Actions?

• A. engage auto pilot
• B. enlist cabin crew assistance
• C. other pilot takes over controls
• D. emergency declared (pan call)

Answer: (A)

When a pilot may be incapacitated, the immediate priority is to keep the aircraft under safe, stable control with minimal workload on the remaining crew. Engaging the autopilot accomplishes this right away by maintaining the aircraft’s altitude, heading, and airspeed, preventing uncommanded flight path changes while the crew assesses the situation. This quick stabilizing action buys time to communicate with ATC, declare an emergency, and coordinate with cabin crew as needed, without the aircraft wandering or entering an unintended attitude. Once the aircraft is stabilized, the surviving pilot can decide on the best way to proceed—whether handing manual control to another qualified pilot, navigating toward the nearest suitable airport, or taking other actions—while continuing to manage the emergency. Other steps, like enlisting cabin crew assistance or declaring the emergency, are important but rely on first establishing safe flight, which is why engaging autopilot is the best first move.