Capt. Brandon Hendrickson

2022 SUPERIOR AIRMANSHIP AWARD

Capt. Brandon Hendrickson is being honored with the 2022 ALPA Superior Airmanship Award for his decisive action in dealing with an in-flight incapacitation event on Envoy Air Flight 3556.

On November 19, 2022, Hendrickson and the captain who was doing his Initial Operating Experience (IOE) departed Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Runway 28R, on a flight headed for Columbus, Ohio. Hendrickson was acting as a check airman while the IOE captain was the pilot flying. As the aircraft reached 1,000 ft., the IOE captain suffered a medical event and became unresponsive. Hendrickson assumed positive control of the aircraft, declared an emergency, and requested an immediate return to the airport.

After landing, doctors traveling as passengers assisted flight attendants in removing the IOE captain from the flight deck. Also on board was a commuting pilot who assisted with radio communications during taxi. Although medical personnel met the aircraft at the gate, they were unable to revive the IOE captain, who unfortunately passed away.

ALPA commends Capt. Hendrickson for the professionalism and superior airmanship he exhibited in dealing with this critical in-flight emergency. His quick action and leadership ensured the safety of passengers and crew and mitigated risk to other aircraft in the vicinity in a busy and complex airspace.

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