Are you a regular passenger in a friend’s or family member’s aeroplane? Would you know what to do if the pilot became incapacitated? If you couldn’t revive the pilot, could you talk on the radio to ask for help? These are some of the questions addressed by the Partner Emergency Course (PEC).

Some of the information presented could be applied to any plane, such as how to recognize and revive a pilot who is exhibiting distress. Once the pilot becomes incapacitated, you, as the passenger, become the Pilot-In-Command.

If you are flying in the right seat, pay attention as the pilot executes procedures and learn the basics you will need: how to read the altimeter, how to use the radio, and how to activate the autopilot. Even if you can do all of these things, you can only stay in the air for so long. If you are flying in a Cirrus SR20 or SR22, you don’t have to worry about landing the plane yourself – you can use the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS®) to get the plane safely on the ground. Since 2014 there have been more Cirrus CAPS® pulls than fatal accidents in these aircraft. But you need to practice the CAPS® scenario to be ready for a pull.

The PEC course has been well received by partners who leave with a greater understanding of flight procedures and are better prepared to survive an emergency and help their flying partner.