What’s a pinch hitter? It’s safety for non-pilots

As a non-pilot, you may have wondered what would happen in the unlikely event of pilot incapacitation. What if you need to get involved with the flight and help your pilot?

The Wings of Eagles Pinch Hitter’s Course will teach you to be more than just a passenger. In fact, many flying partners who started with Pinch Hitting have gone on to become pilots themselves. 

If you are a regular flying partner, becoming a Pinch Hitter is one of the safest choices you can make. With both ground and flight lessons, you’ll learn to maneuver an airplane in flight, communicate your situation, and land the plane. You’ll learn about:

• The Airplane and the Cockpit: getting oriented with your instruments
• Preflight Basics: detecting issues early
• Flight Controls: controlling the plane in climbs, descents, straight and level flight, and turns
• Communications: speaking with ATC and on CTAF
• Basic Navigation and Orientation: finding the nearest airport
• Airport Operations: finding your runway
• Emergency Scenarios: safely handling a pilot incapacitation and landing the plane

The Wings of Eagles Pinch Hitter’s Course is coming Spring 2026! Sign up here for more information.