Trainee pilot makes nerve-racking landing in Australia after instructor faints during his first lesson

‘Do you know how to operate the aeroplane?’ the controller asked. ‘This is my first lesson,’ Max Sylvester replied, before landing with the controller’s help

The trainee’s wife and children were at the airport to witness his first flying lesson

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Published: 8:15pm, 1 Sep 2019Updated: 8:15pm, 1 Sep 2019

A trainee pilot in Australia who was having his first lesson behind the controls of an aircraft had to make an emergency landing after his instructor blacked out.

Max Sylvester called air traffic control in Western Australia state on Saturday after his instructor collapsed during the flight. Seven Network TV reported that he was flying in a single-propeller two-seat Cessna 152.

“He’s leaning over my shoulder, I’m trying to keep him up but he keeps falling down,” Sylvester told the controller from the plane in audio provided to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

“Do you know how to operate the aeroplane?” the controller asked. “This is my first lesson,” Sylvester replied.

This good outcome is what you hope for. It just worked out this time.

Chuck McElwee, owner of the flight school

The controller then guided Sylvester through the landing.

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