2 Sep 2019

Learner pilot lands plane with unconscious instructor

From Checkpoint, 5:40 pm on 2 September 2019

A trainee pilot in Australia thought his instructor was messing with him when he collapsed during their maiden lesson, forcing the novice flyer to land the Cessna 152 solo.

Max Sylvester called air traffic control for help after his Kiwi-born instructor lost consciousness during their flight over Jandakot airport in Western Australia.

His wife and three young children were watching on as he came into land - along with the flight school owner Chuck McElwee.

Chuck talks to Lisa Owen.