WHAT do a pilot who averted a serious accident after an in-flight medical emergency, a pilot who ditched in the sea to avoid a populated area after engine failure, and a flying instructor who took decisive action after one of his students became lost, have in common?
Answer: they are finalists in the CAA's General Aviation Safety Awards 2005.

In June 2005, Neil France accompanied a friend, a pilot, on a local flight from Derby Airfield. Not long after takeoff, the pilot became medically incapacitated with his leg locked on the controls and the aircraft entered a steep spiral dive. Mr France, also a pilot but unfamiliar with the aircraft type, managed to take control to regain level flight and, after exchanging headsets, made contact with Derby Radio for advice regarding approach and landing speeds. The original pilot regained consciousness just at the point of flare and needed restraining by Mr France, who then landed safely.

Also in June 2005, the engine of Mike Glinternick's PA-28 failed after takeoff from Swansea. Instead of attempting a forced landing on the crowded beach, or attempting to glide back to the airfield over a housing area, Mr Glinternick, of Swansea, chose to ditch his aircraft in the sea next to a coastguard station.

The following month, one of instructor Barry Pearce's solo students became lost after takeoff from Benson and continued out of radio range. Mr Pearce launched in another aircraft and managed to talk to the student by radio. He contacted D&D (Distress & Diversion 121.5) and relayed instructions to enable the student to make a successful landing at Leicester Airfield just before dark.