Commercial Aviation
Feb
16,
2026
Aviation Crisis Management: Plan, Activate, Care
Why is expert communication important in aviation crisis management?
When something goes wrong in aviation, time matters. Clear steps matter. And people matter. A good crisis plan helps flight operations teams make decisions quickly, communicate clearly, and reduce harm to crew, passengers, and families.
1
What happens behind the scenes during an aviation crisis?
In a well-run response, the team stays calm and follows a defined process. The goal is to reduce confusion and keep everyone working from the same facts. Hear examples from MedAire partner GoCrisis about what may constitute an aviation crisis:
Key Points to Focus On
✓ Everyone knows their role.
✓ Updates are shared in one place, not across scattered messages.
✓ Decisions are made in a steady, step-by-step way.
PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY
If your team is building the response from scratch during the event, you will lose time and create mixed messages.
2
How do you tailor your ERP into an effective action plan?
Many plans look good until the moment you need them. The biggest challenge is not writing the plan. It is using it fast under pressure. Hear about the importance of partnership in responding to a crisis:
A Simple "First Steps" Playbook
01
Confirm what is happening.
Get the best available facts.
02
Start the plan early.
It is easier to scale up than catch up.
03
Assign a lead and backups.
Avoid confusion about who is in charge.
04
Set an update rhythm.
Short, regular updates beat long delays.
05
Write down key decisions.
This helps with handoffs and later review.
PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY
The best plan is the one your team can access and follow quickly—day or night, on or off site.
3
How do you support individuals and families after an aviation event?
Aviation events can be stressful and traumatic. For the people involved, the hardest part may start after the immediate danger has passed. Family support needs structure, just like the operational response.
What Good Support Looks Like
✓ Families have a clear point of contact.
✓ Updates are consistent and compassionate.
✓ Support continues after the first day, not only during the initial response.
✓ Crew and internal teams are also checked on and supported.
PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY
Recovery is part of the job. If it is not planned, it becomes reactive and can add stress for everyone.
Quick Checklist
Are We Ready?
Plan
Do we know when to activate our crisis plan?
Can the right people access it quickly?
Are roles and backups clearly assigned?
Act
Can we share updates in one place?
Do we have simple message templates ready?
Do we have a way to track actions and decisions in real time?
Support
Do we have a plan to communicate with and support families?
Do we have a post-event review process?
Do we have support available for crew and staff after a high-stress event?