After the pilots fainted during the flight, a 12-year-old boy takes control of the plane… What he did while flying left everyone crying…

Leonard, you’re doing an excellent job. Now let’s engage the autopilot to keep the plane stable while we prepare for the approach. Following the detailed instructions, Leonard managed to re-engage the autopilot.

For the first time since the ordeal began, the aircraft flew steadily. The boy finally had a few seconds to breathe. He glanced around the cockpit, fully absorbing the gravity of the situation.

He picked up the radio again, his voice trembling. Miami Control, what’s next? Now, Leonard, we need to guide the plane onto an approach path. We’re coordinating with Miami International Airport to give you priority landing clearance.

I’ll guide you step by step, but you need to stay calm. Are you ready? Leonard gripped the radio tightly, his voice filled with determination. Yes, I’m ready, the controller continued.

Adjust the course, look at the navigation panel, and use the heading knob to set the plane to a heading of 270. That will take you toward Miami. Leonard turned the knob, watching as the plane adjusted to the new heading.

The clouds below began to thin, revealing the ocean far below, a chilling reminder of their distance from safety. Meanwhile, the flight attendant returned to the cockpit, reporting that all passengers were safe with their oxygen masks. Leonard gave her a quick glance, knowing she was relying on him.

Despite the immense weight of responsibility, he couldn’t let anyone down. With the plane stabilized and on course, Leonard pressed the radio button again. We’re ready for the next step.

What do I do now? From the other side, the controller’s calm voice came through. Now comes the most critical part, Leonard. The landing, and you can do it.

We’re with you. Leonard nodded, even though no one could see him. He knew the hardest challenge lay ahead, but for the first time he felt that maybe, just maybe, he could save everyone on board.

Leonard stared at the panel in front of him, his eyes sharp and his heart racing. The aircraft, stable for now, felt like a sleeping giant ready to rebel again. Lights flashed in various parts of the cockpit, each signaling something urgent.

He knew there was no time to relax. Holding the radio firmly, he listened intently to the calm, steady instructions from the Miami air traffic controller. Leonard, we need to do a quick checklist before initiating the approach.

Tell me, are the flaps set for the initial descent? Leonard searched for the flap controls and checked their position. No, they’re still retracted, adjusting now. As he moved the controls, a new red light lit up on the panel, accompanied by a shrill alarm.

Leonard felt his stomach sink. He turned to the flight attendant behind him and said, trying to stay calm, new alarm, Miami control, something’s wrong. It looks like a hydraulic system failure.

The response came almost immediately, tinged with concern. Leonard, the hydraulic system controls several critical functions of the aircraft, including the flaps and landing gear. Check the secondary panel to see if the primary system is still operational.

Leonard scanned the secondary panel, his breathing quick but focused. Finally, he found the hydraulic system indicator. Control, the primary system is losing pressure.

It’s almost inoperative. The controller’s tone grew more serious. Understood.

We’ll need to activate the manual backup system. It’s not ideal, but it’ll give us enough control to proceed. I’ll guide you through it.

Are you ready? Leonard gave a quick yes and adjusted the controls as directed. He understood that this bought them some time, but the situation remained dire. Without the primary hydraulic system, the landing gear might fail to deploy.

He recalled from the simulators he’d used how critical such failures could be. Control, what about the landing gear? It’s hydraulic too, isn’t it? He asked, his voice unsteady. There was a pause before the controller replied.

Yes, Leonard. It’s possible the landing gear won’t deploy automatically. If that happens, we’ll use the manual override…