The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Here's why you can't.

By Andrea Sachs

22 Mar 2023 · 5 min read

Editor's Note

One in three people think they could safely land a plane in the event of an emergency. The odds of actually pulling it off? Zero, according to The Post.

Picture this: You are on a flight when you learn that the pilots have fallen ill and can no longer fly the plane. A voice comes over the public address system, asking for a volunteer to help land the aircraft. You have no experience, but you have seen "Airplane!" and "Snakes on a Plane." Maybe you've frittered away hours on Microsoft's Flight Simulator. You throw off your seat belt and march toward the cockpit, your cape rustling behind you.

Hold on, hero. You might want to return to your seat for this reality check.

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