Incident Proves Two-Pilot Operations Are Critical for Part 121

According to LiveATC.com, approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot flying as first officer notified air traffic control: "Need to return, the captain is incapacitated." The flight was cleared back to O'Hare.

Subsequent transmissions between ATC and O'Hare tower depict controllers giving the pilot flying clearance back to the aircraft and information as to where to taxi to so that medical personnel could get to the incapacitated pilot.

According to a story appearing on CNBC, Capt. Ric Wilson, vice president of Envoy’s flight operations, said in a note to staff that the incapacitated pilot was a captain in training, occupying the left seat.

Yesterday the airline released a statement on the event, noting "The flight landed safely and first responders met the aircraft upon arrival. Despite heroic efforts by those on board and first responders on the ground, our colleague passed away at the hospital. We’re deeply saddened and are doing all we can to support his family and our colleagues at this time."

In the United States it is mandatory to have two pilots aboard during Part 121 operations for safety. One is pilot flying, while the other pilot performs cross checks and non-flying duties. Another reason for two pilots is to manage workload, as pilots often work long hours. Both pilots are qualified to fly the aircraft, and they take turns acting as pilot flying, often switching off legs during a long duty day. The captain retains the position as pilot-in-command throughout.