On Wednesday morning, an off-duty pilot stepped up to the plate when the pilot of Southwest Airlines Flight 6013 from Las Vegas to Columbus, Ohio, suffered a medical emergency mid-flight. The flight crew reported that the pilot had stomach pain before they "fainted or became incapacitated," but was treated at the back of the plane and "came back" after about a minute. The off-duty pilot assumed responsibility for radio communication while the second Southwest pilot flew the airplane back to Las Vegas. The aircraft touched down at Harry Reid International Airport after about an hour in the air and an alternate flight crew flew to Columbus. The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the incident, but no update was given on the pilot's condition or medical issues.
In a rare and remarkable display of courage and skill, the off-duty pilot stepped up in a moment of need and demonstrated the importance of flight safety protocols. Pilots are trained to fly solo in cases like this, and a flight attendant could have stepped in the cockpit to assist if the off-duty pilot had not been aboard the Southwest flight. Passengers aboard Flight 6013 are sure to remember this heroic act for years to come.