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…

For now, focus on what’s in front of you. We’ll handle one step at a time. The flight attendant, sensing the boy’s tension, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Leonard, you’re doing an incredible job. Everyone is counting on you, but don’t worry. You’ve got this.

He nodded, though doubts clawed at his mind. He was just a 12-year-old boy. Even with his theoretical knowledge, that didn’t mean he could save a real airplane.

What if I mess up, he thought. What if they all die because of me? As if reading his thoughts, the controller’s voice came back, firm and steady. Leonard, listen to me.

This is hard, I know. But every action you’ve taken so far has kept this plane in the air. You can do this.

Just follow my instructions, one step at a time. Leonard took a deep breath. The plane seemed to respond better after the hydraulic adjustments, but the looming issue of the landing gear hung over him like a shadow.

He forced himself to focus on what he could control. Control, course adjustment complete. We’re aligned for the initial approach, he reported after checking the instruments.

The controller’s calm voice returned. Excellent work, Leonard. Now we’ll start slowing down.

Can you deploy the spoiler to assist? Leonard located the spoiler controls and activated them. However, another alert appeared on the panel. He read it aloud.

Partial spoiler failure. It’s only working on one side. The controller responded quickly.

That’s okay. It will cause some instability, but we can compensate. Adjust the yoke gently to keep the balance.

Leonard followed the instructions, feeling the plane shudder more intensely. He gripped the yoke tightly, carefully controlling the pitch and roll until the aircraft steadied again. Then the flight attendant, holding a portable radio, received a report from the technical compartment.

She turned to Leonard, her face pale. Leonard, they’re telling me the landing gear isn’t responding to the automatic command. It won’t deploy.

This was the moment Leonard had feared. Without the landing gear, landing safely would be nearly impossible. He grabbed the radio with trembling hands and explained the situation to Miami Control.

There was a brief pause before the controller replied. Leonard, we’ll need to use the manual emergency system to lower the landing gear. The control is located to your left, below the panel.

You’ll have to crank the lever multiple times to force it down. It’s a physical effort, but it will work. Can you do it? Leonard located the lever and began turning it with all his strength.

The gears groaned and sweat poured down his face as he repeated the motion. His arms began to ache, but he couldn’t stop. The flight attendant joined him, holding the lever alongside him.

After what felt like an eternity, a metallic click echoed through the cabin. On the panel, a green light lit up. The landing gear was down.

Leonard released the lever, gasping for breath. Control, landing gear deployed. Green light confirmed.

The response came, filled with relief. Outstanding work, Leonard. Now let’s focus on the landing.

You’ve come this far. You’re almost there. Leonard closed his eyes for a brief moment, took a deep breath, and prepared himself.

He knew the greatest challenge still lay ahead, bringing this massive aircraft safely to the ground. The tension in the cockpit was palpable. Leonard sat in the co-pilot’s seat, his hands gripping the yoke tightly, eyes locked on the instrument panel…