Incapacity Training

for Airbus A320 Family

INCAPACITATION TRAINING MATERIAL

  • Training Overview

    • Document Title: Incapacitation Training for Airbus A320 Family

    • Nature: Supplementary to the official training tool.

    • Recommendation: In case of any information mismatch, always refer to the Official Operational Manual, which is the only official training document.

    • Source: Volotea Training Department | 24/09/2025

INDEX

  • Topics Covered:

    1. Pilot Incapacitation

    • 1.1 Chain of Command

    • 1.2 How to Operate a Pilot Seat

    • 1.3 Supplying Oxygen to an Incapacitated Pilot

    • 1.4 Removing a Pilot from His/Her Seat

    • 1.5 Helping the Pilot Flying

    1. Cabin Crew Incapacitation

    • 2.1 Purser Incapacitation

    • 2.2 CCM Incapacitation

PILOT INCAPACITATION

Introduction

  • Definition: An incapacitated pilot refers to a pilot unable to perform duties, posing a significant threat to cockpit operations, especially in a two-pilot crew scenario.

  • Immediate Procedures:

    1. Take Over Control: The other pilot must take full control of the aircraft to ensure a safe flight path.

    2. Ensure Safety: Prevent the incapacitated pilot from interfering with aircraft controls. This requires cabin crew assistance for immobilization.

    3. Aircraft Landing: The crew must land the aircraft as soon as safety allows.

  • Communication: The other pilot should call for the Senior Cabin Crew Member (SCCM) using the phrases:

    • "PURSER TO COCKPIT, PLEASE." x2

    • Alternative: An emergency call can be made which does not specify the nature of the emergency.

Emergency Call Protocol

  • Emergency call: red flashing,

  • The cockpit emergency call serves to request immediate SCCM presence without detailing the emergency type.

  • Actions Upon Receiving Call:

    • SCCM to assess the situation immediately and determine appropriate actions based on the pilot's status:

    • Pilot Breathing: Follow standard emergency procedures (receive NITSS briefing).

    • Pilot Not Breathing: Administer oxygen and prepare for CPR.

1.1 Chain of Command

  • Hierarchy in Case of Captain Incapacitation:

    1. Examiner from the airline

    2. Inspector from the airline

    3. Instructor or supervising check captain from the airline

    4. Captain from the airline

    5. First Officer

  • Cabin Crew Responsibility: Follow instructions from the pilot in command (PIC) and know procedures for:

    • Removing a pilot from their seat

    • Operating the pilot seat

1.2 How to Operate a Pilot Seat

Manual. 3 pasos:

  1. Recline Seat: Pull the lever marked "Recline" situated on the inboard edge of both captain's and first officer's seats.

  2. Adjust Seat Back: Use electrical controls to pull the seat back. Alternatively, a black lever marked "Horizontal" can be used for manual adjustment.

  3. Lock Harness: The harness lock lever is located at the back edge of the seats and must be moved down to secure the pilot.

1.3 Supplying Oxygen to an Incapacitated Pilot

  • Immediate Actions if pilot is unconscious or has difficulties breathing:

    1. Recline the Seat: Slide the seat fully back and recline to provide comfort.

    2. Secure Safety: Fasten the shoulder harness and lock straps using the black locking handle.

    3. Adjustment: Pull the fore/aft lever to slide the seat fully aft for accessibility.

    4. Loosen Clothes: Ensure tight clothing is loosened for comfort.

    5. Use Oxygen Mask:

    • Take the quick-donning mask and verify oxygen flow.

    • Rotate emergency knob to the emergency position and administer oxygen at 100%.

    1. Apply Mask: Place the mask over the nose and mouth.

    2. Continue Monitoring: Administer oxygen until a clear improvement is observed.

    3. Stay in Cockpit: Remain in the cockpit while oxygen is supplied.

1.4 Removing a Pilot from their Seat

  • Procedure if Pilot is Not Breathing:

    1. Remove feet from pedals.

    2. Recline and pull the pilot's seat backwards.

    3. Lift the armrests and release the seat belt.

    4. Use the Rautek maneuver to lift the pilot by placing arms under armpits, securing one arm against the other.

    5. Carefully lift the pilot and handle their spine delicately while removing them from the seat.

    6. Remove pilot in situations requiring CPR or if the pilot poses a safety threat in the cockpit.

    • CPR Location: Perform CPR in the forward galley area.

1.5 Helping the Pilot in Command (PIC)

  • Assistance Requests: The PIC may request assistance from cabin crew members as needed.

  • Checklist Awareness: Cabin crew must be familiar with various checklists and verify tasks as directed by the PIC. Example items to check:

    • Cockpit preparations (gear pins, signs, fuel quantity)

    • Pre-flight and in-flight checklists (landing gears, anti-ice, seat belts, briefings)

CABIN CREW INCAPACITATION

2.1 Purser Incapacitation

  • Response to SCCM Incapacitation: The Captain will appoint a new SCCM based on the established chain of command which includes:

    1. A CCM who has completed SCCM training.

    2. A CCM with at least one year of experience in the company.

    3. A CCM with one year of experience, if no other options are available.

  • Emergency Help: If needed, help may be sought from qualified passengers familiar with the aircraft operations, including:

    • Cabin Crew Instructors, Supervisors from Volotea.

    • SCCMs or CCMs from other airlines.

2.2 CCM Incapacitation

  • Immediate Steps:

    1. Attend to the incapacitated cabin member’s needs.

    2. For landing, ensure they are seated discretely in a passenger seat.

  • Cabin Crew Reorganization: Minimum cabin crew positions should be adjusted to cover all passenger exits efficiently during emergencies.

CONCLUSION

  • Thank You Note: The training document concludes with a note of appreciation for the participants' attention and participation in the training process.