listening to a recording of air traffic control talking to a student pilot who's instructor had a seizure during a lesson and passed out (https://youtu.be/uRluCHFaGx8). it was apparently his first time being in control of the plane for more than a couple of minutes and he was alone

he was able to contact atc (the radio was set to ATIS before, i don't know what that means but whatever it is, there was nobody there to help him but he remembered how to fix it) and they talked to him to tell him what exactly he needs to do, exactly where he needs to go. they've got an instructor from the company who was able to confirm "you have four hours of fuel, that won't be a problem, so you can take some practice descents towards the runway without committing to landing until you're totally comfortable, your height is perfect but next time take it slightly slower" etc etc

and i'm mostly just kind of in awe at the way that it's obviously this total nightmare scenario but everyone is staying completely calm, clear communication, atc is making sure to be encouraging and tell the pilot how they're doing really really well, they're going to get him down, etc etc. i don't think i could stay calm while this is happening. at one point the recording goes "sure hope they don't expect me to pay for this flight, sorry to say" "yeah, if they make you pay for this one i'll pay for it out of my wallet" haha. total control, total calm in the face of potential disaster. incredible