FlySafair pilot falls ill mid-flight; co-pilot and qualified passenger steps in and safely lands plane in Joburg

“Are there any pilots on board?”

Passengers onboard a recent FlySafair flight didn’t think they would be hearing this over the intercom mid-flight.

This after the pilot on a flight from George to Johannesburg on 29 January suddenly fell ill.

While the announcement created initial concern, FlySafair says this was in line with standard operating procedure.

The co-pilot assumed command of the aircraft and performed a seamless landing with the assistance of a qualified pilot who was fortunately on board the flight.

“[They] assisted the First Officer (co-pilot) by reading out the required checklists, although they did not conduct any flying themselves,” the statement reads.

“All flight operations proceeded as normal throughout the journey… Flight FA711 departed George Airport on schedule just after 11.00 am and arrived safely at OR Tambo at approximately 12.30 pm.”

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