Question: *There is [another question](https://aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/8986) about airliners and if someone not qualified could land them. My question is about the steps I should take to stay alive in a small GA plane.*

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Let say a friend of mine invites me aboard a small aircraft (like Cessna 172 or equivalent).  

At some point my pilot friend passes out for some reason. What should I do considering the following: 

* I'm not a pilot.
* I'm seated in the co-pilot seat.
* I spent hundreds of hours on Flight Simulator (a few years ago).
* I've been initiated to fly a small aircraft (1 session covering the very basics), but no take-off/landing exercises.
* The weather is good.
* Aircraft is in good condition.
* The tank is full.
* Area has ATC and I know how to operate the radio.

This is my guess:

1. Hold the plane's level and heading
2. Slap my friend to try to wake him up
3. Send "Mayday" asking for assistance and technical guidance
4. Try to follow ATC instructions as well as I can

Does this look good? What should be done differently?

Answer: 
This is a good question and your guesses make sense. I’m not a pilot but here is what I’d do (if the plane is small like you say):

A non pilot would definitely be overwhelmed by the controls and buttons and all their meanings. But if you have had some training you could manage. First thing to do would be to establish communications with ATC and explain to them that you are a non pilot who is now in charge. For this you’ll have to put on the pilot’s headset and use the mic button. Say something like **“MAYDAY MAYDAY our pilot has passed out”**, anyone hearing this would definitely assist (training on a simulator is a plus in this situation.) Gaining a little altitude to get good a good reception is also a good idea. 

You could also try dialing 121.5 (aircraft emergency frequency ) and call for some help.

> 
> The ***aircraft emergency frequency*** (also known as ***guard***) is a frequency
>  used on the aircraft band reserved for emergency communications for
>  aircraft in distress. The frequencies are *121.5 MHz* for civilian, also
>  known as ***International Air Distress*** (IAD) or VHF Guard, and 243.0 MHz
>  for military use, also known as *Military Air Distress* (MAD) or UHF
>  Guard. [(Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_emergency_frequency)
> 
> 
> 

But remember it all happens very fast I'm sure. If the person flying doesn’t screw up completely like touch down at 120 kt or stalling etc. landing would be survivable with minimum injuries to everyone.

Also take the help of five C's that have been devised for the pilots in distress:

> 
> In order to circumvent the effects of panic, the five C’s of aviation
>  have been devised. *The five C’s are: Confess, climb, conserve fuel,
>  communicate and comply.* [(Source)](http://www.golfhotelwhiskey.com/getting-lost/)
> 
> 
> 

You can try keeping the aircraft clear of terrain, obstructions and densely populated area. Even if you couldn’t reach the ATC flying towards an open terrain or open water is the next best option (God forbid!).
1. As much as possible, keep your hands off of the controls. A properly trimmed airplane will maintain straight and level flight. A human likely will not.
2. Tune the radio to 121.5 and call mayday. 121.5 will be monitored everywhere there is any ATC activity.
3. Follow the instructions of ATC.
4. Use the trim and throttle to descend. During landing, the elevator (pull back and push forward on the wheel) controls airspeed, the throttle controls altitude. Trim the airplane and use the throttle to control descent. More/less trim may be required.