When a pilot asks for help over the radio, staying calm can avert a crisis.
Sounds obvious, right? Yet we know that poor communication is one of the ‘dirty dozen’ causal and contributing factors in accident reports1.
When it works well
When a student pilot became anxious on a solo flight in uncontrolled airspace in Otago, they asked for assistance – and the calm, coordinated response of the people who helped probably saved the pilot’s life.
The student was flying at 7000ft when they called their flight instructor for assistance. (This isn’t standard procedure.) The instructor coached the student to begin a descent to 4000ft.
The air traffic controller picks up the story: “[The pilot] called from the north-west, 20 miles away in uncontrolled airspace, requesting direct [to the airport]. Their communication was not fully audible, but I was aware they required immediate assistance. I checked their location on surveillance and gave them direct, checking that their altitude and speed were normal.”
The pilot was distressed, however, and the controller was so concerned for the safety of the pilot and the aircraft that an alert phase (ALERFA) was declared.
A local air ambulance helicopter crew, which had been tracking the aircraft until it joined, turned back their aircraft to assist.
The crew followed the student to the airport, staying close to provide immediate help if needed.
Twenty minutes after the call to ATC, the student landed safely, and was met by the fire rescue crew who provided their support.
The coordinated response, and the skills of the air traffic controller to quell the pilot’s anxiety, were crucial to a positive outcome for the event.
A commercial airline pilot on frequency at the time of the occurrence reported that, without the calm voice of the air traffic controller, there could have been “a different outcome” for the pilot.
The CAA has written to Airways to commend the air traffic controller’s actions.
Give essential information only
“Someone in distress during flight will have spiked adrenaline and an increased heart rate,” says Alaska White, CAA’s Chief Advisor, Human Factors.
“Their attention will likely be tunnelling and their situational awareness degraded, so their ability to be aware of their internal and external surroundings will be poor.
“Their mental workload will likely be extremely high, as their brain perceives them to be under threat (even when they may not be), leaving little mental room to make good logical decisions.
“A distressed person’s brain in these situations will have no capacity for much extra information, so short, clear, simple information is key.
“If you’re faced with a distressed person during flight, speak calmly and slowly, giving essential information only and asking them to confirm they’ve understood you. If you can, get them to talk through what they’re doing, and reassure them.”
Tips for pilots
While this situation was dramatic, pilots shouldn’t wait until they’re in an emergency before they ask for help, says CAA Aviation Safety Adviser Carlton Campbell.
“A pilot who’s seeking assistance should follow the standard procedure for their location.
“In uncontrolled airspace, the area flight information service FISCOM is your best option. To get clear reception, you may need to be above 4000ft, depending on your location and the terrain.
“In controlled airspace, you should contact air traffic control.
“AFIS – Aerodrome Flight Information Service – is your point of contact if you’re in the vicinity of Milford Sound Piopiotahi Aerodrome or Paraparaumu Airport.
“Operated by Airways, AFIS provides pilots with information to safely operate in and around those aerodromes.”
Carlton says that, in his experience as a pilot and instructor, it’s rare for pilots to experience the levels of distress the student pilot encountered while flying.
But he says it’s always useful for pilots to be reminded of the value of standard procedures for radio calls, and the value of their radio calls being clear and focused.