Is It Possible to Fly and Land a Plane Without Formal Training?

The idea of flying and landing a plane without any formal training may seem intriguing. However, the reality is quite different. While it's possible for one to attempt it, the risks involved make it extremely hazardous for both the pilot and the passengers.

Why Untrained Pilots Are Not Allowed

No, unless the airplane is stolen, no pilot would deliberately take off without proper credentials. Aircraft owners or rental companies only lend or rent their planes to licensed pilots who have a valid license and a chronological log book indicating recent experience. Attempting to operate an aircraft without the necessary skills and experience is illegal and potentially dangerous, especially when it comes to liftoff. Even bringing a stolen plane to the air would be an enormous challenge, let alone safely returning and landing it, particularly in adverse weather conditions or air traffic issues.

How Flying an Airplane Differs from Driving a Car

Flying an airplane is indeed easier than driving a car, though it presents its unique challenges. The main difference lies in the dimensionality; flying involves controlling the aircraft in three dimensions, unlike driving, which is primarily in one dimension. Additionally, maintaining a sense of situational awareness and handling various controls in the cockpit of an airplane require more concentration and awareness than typical car driving.

Preparing for an Emergency: What to Do If the Pilot Is Not Capable

There are instances, occasionally, such as medical emergencies, when a pilot might not be capable of flying. In such scenarios, the best course of action is to use the emergency procedures outlined below:

Emergency Procedures in the Air

Panic Response: Remain calm, which is crucial to manage the situation effectively. Communication: Ensure the emergency radio (sometimes labeled 'guard' at 121.5 MHz) is set. Press the 'XPDR' or 'XPNDR' button and set the number to 7700, then press IDENT twice to initiate an emergency alert. You should press the microphone button and say: 'Mayday Mayday Mayday. This is your plane and its ID number. We have lost our pilot and there are no pilots on board.' Handling the Radio: A ground controller will respond and guide you on the appropriate frequencies (e.g., 124.325 for Albuquerque center). Guidance from Ground Control: Ground control is well-trained to handle such scenarios. They have pilots available who are familiar with the specifics of the plane and can guide you on handling the instruments and landing the plane safely, even if it might not be a smooth landing. The controller may direct you to switch to a different frequency to communicate with them.

Real-Life Example: An 80-Year-Old Woman Landing a Plane

There is a documented incident where an 80-year-old woman, who had never flown before, managed to save her life and a significant amount of property by landing the plane safely after her husband, the pilot, died suddenly. This highly publicized story, shared on YouTube, demonstrates the effectiveness of emergency procedures.

The video illustrates how, through quick thinking and the proper use of emergency procedures, she successfully landed the aircraft. The landing was not perfectly smooth, but it was a successful outcome, proving that with the right steps and training, the emergency protocols in aviation can be effective.