A pilot in charge of flying an aircraft is called the pilot in command (PIC). All pilot training involves coping with equipment failures and other emergencies. Emergencies can happen no matter how well-prepared and competent the pilot may be.

When an emergency occurs, physiological changes resulting from the threat to life favor strong surges of energy in the large muscles, and they foster a narrow focus of attention on the “blood rage” necessary for survival.

In a crisis, however, a pilot needs precise hand and foot movements—not gross physical strength—and he or she needs clear thinking—not the tunnel vision of rage. Consequently, the “natural” survival skills triggered by an emergency can actually contribute to a pilot losing control of the aircraft.

Therefore, in order to manage SNS arousal in an emergency, a pilot—or any person—needs a third option, a sort of “unnatural” option: not fleeing the problem, and not fighting the problem either, but taking command of it. In an emergency, a person should be “pilot in command” of his or her body as one essential step in coping with the overall problem.

Taking command of breathing.
• Being aware of breathing rate
• Taking slow, deep breaths

Taking command of muscle tension.
• Being aware of which muscles are tense
• Letting go of muscle tension

Taking command of cognitive processes.
• Being aware of internal “self-talk”
• Being honest about the situation
• Changing focused, negative thinking and self-defeating thoughts to open, positive thinking and intuitive creativity

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