The Effectiveness of a Pinch Hitter Video in Helping Non-Pilots Survive a Pilot Incapacitation Emergency

Abstract

The goal of this research project was to determine the survival prospects of non-pilot passengers in light aircraft if the pilot suddenly became incapacitated. Specifically, two groups were studied; one that had no prior exposure to aircraft control, and one that viewed the Air Safety Foundation's Pinch Hitter Course. Thirteen Middle Tennessee State University students with no previous flight training were divided into an experimental group and a control group. After the experimental group had viewed the Pinch Hitter Course, each participant was placed into a flight training device with a pilot. The pilot conducted a take-off and flew normally for several minutes. At a predetermined point, the pilot simulated incapacitation, and the subject attempted to control and land the aircraft to the best of his or her ability. The results of the simulation were analyzed to determine if the experimental group more successfully controlled the aircraft, manipulated the radios, and navigated the aircraft. Additionally, the attitude and speed of the aircraft when it returned to Earth were used to determine each subject's probability of survival. The researcher hypothesized that the there would be no difference between the two groups as to survivability. Results indicated that, though the experimental group was noticeably better at controlling the aircraft and had a lower average airspeed during touchdown than the control group, the video made no difference in overall survivability.