Episode 43 - Prepared for the Worst: Inside Carilion Life-Guard’s Incapacitated Pilot Program Part 1

Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor magazine.

Today, we sit down with the team from Carilion Life-Guard for a groundbreaking conversation about one of the most forward-leaning safety initiatives in the industry: Their incapacitated pilot program.

In this episode, we explore how this effort came to life—its origins, its challenges, and the meticulous procedures designed to protect crews when seconds matter. The Carilion team walks us through the training, communication strategies, and human factors that drive their approach, as well as the technological integrations that enhance situational awareness and safety in the cockpit.

You’ll hear candid insights about overcoming resistance, strengthening crew resource management (CRM), and shaping protocols that crews can trust in high-stress environments. From checklist discipline to crew camaraderie, this conversation underscores the shared responsibility we all carry when it comes to safety.

And as we look ahead, the team shares an exciting vision for the future—where emerging technologies and increased automation may one day transform how we respond when a pilot becomes incapacitated.

So strap in as this forward-thinking episode blends innovation, teamwork, and mission-focused readiness at every level. Let’s get into it.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.