Off-Duty Pilot Attempts to Shut Down Engines Midflight

In a shocking incident, an off-duty pilot tried to shut down the engines of a Horizon Air passenger jet midflight. This event has raised many questions and concerns about aviation safety and the procedures for accommodating off-duty pilots in the cockpit. Below, we provide a comprehensive FAQ to address the common questions surrounding this incident.

1. What happened during the Horizon Air flight?

   - An off-duty pilot, identified as Joseph David Emerson, tried to shut down the engines of a Horizon Air passenger jet in midflight.

   - The incident took place on a San Francisco-bound flight from Everett, Washington, carrying 80 passengers and four crew members.

2. How was the off-duty pilot subdued?

   - The crew quickly responded to the threat, and engine power was not lost. The off-duty pilot was subdued by the flight crew.

   - Passengers reported that the man was handcuffed to a railing and didn't cause any further disturbance.

3. What charges is Joseph David Emerson facing?

   - Joseph David Emerson is facing 83 counts each of attempted murder and reckless endangerment, as well as one count of endangering an aircraft, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

4. What did the airline, Alaska Airlines, say about the incident?

   - Alaska Airlines, the parent company of Horizon Air, confirmed that the threat came from an off-duty pilot authorized to occupy the cockpit jump seat.

5. What actions did the FAA take in response to the incident?

   - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an alert to airlines, stating that a jump seat passenger attempted to disable the engines by deploying the engine fire-suppression system.

   - The FAA is assisting with the law enforcement investigation.

6. How did the third pilot in the cockpit respond?

   - In this incident, the third pilot played a critical role in preventing a major disaster. They can be invaluable in handling complex situations when the flight crew is dealing with an emergency.

7. How common are such incidents involving off-duty pilots and jump seats

   - These incidents are extremely rare. In the aviation industry, such events are almost unheard of.

   - Airlines typically allow off-duty pilots to occupy the third seat in the cockpit to facilitate crew positioning without disrupting passenger travel.

8. Are there safety procedures in place for accommodating off-duty pilots in the cockpit?

   - Airlines have procedures for vetting and approving individuals who occupy the third seat in the cockpit.

   - However, the final decision to grant access to the jump seat is made by the pilots working the flight.

9. Are there any additional safeguards or changes expected in light of this incident?

   - This incident will likely lead to a reevaluation of procedures and potentially the implementation of additional safeguards.

   - The aviation industry will analyze whether existing practices and protocols need revision.

10. How can passengers be assured of their safety when flying?

   - Passengers can take comfort in knowing that the aviation industry is built on rigorous safety protocols and continuous improvement.

   - Safety measures and procedures are in place to address rare and unexpected incidents to protect passengers and crew.

11. What are some past incidents involving off-duty pilots in the cockpit?

   - There have been very few incidents of off-duty pilots attempting to disrupt flights. One notable case occurred in 1994 when a FedEx pilot attempted to hijack and crash a plane.

   - In 2018, a pilot in the jump seat of a Lion Air Boeing 737 Max helped prevent a disaster.

   - The aviation industry continually learns from these events to enhance safety.

12. What are the potential consequences for Joseph David Emerson if he is found guilty?

   - If found guilty, Joseph David Emerson could face significant legal penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and the revocation of his pilot's license.

This incident has raised important questions about aviation safety, cockpit access procedures, and the critical role of flight crews in ensuring passenger safety. The investigation will provide further insights into the incident and any necessary improvements in aviation security. Passengers can take comfort in the rarity of such incidents and the aviation industry's commitment to safety.