Let me put it to you this way, guys. If the same thing happened to me, I'd accept ANY one with a pilot's license on the flight deck. They can at least operate the radios and read a checklist.
Even a private pilot? Ah the possibilities....
ATC "Flight 123 you are 6 miles from YOMAN maintain 2600' til established cleared ILS 22 approach"
.....silence....
Me: "I think that was for us"
Helper: "What was for us?"
Me: "That radio call...you're working the radio, right?"
Helper: "Oh man, I'm sorry, what did they say?"
Me: "Nm, I got it..."
...time passes...
Me: "Gear down please."
Helper: "Which one is the handle?"
Me: "The big one there on the panel, with the white handle."
Helper: "Oh, ok.....hmm, it doesn't want to go down"
Me: "You have to hold up the release and move it down at the same time"
Helper: "Where's the release?"
Me: "That little silver button right under the handle, hold it up."
Helper: "Ok....man, I'll have to use both hands.....ok, I got it"
....and then, this one would be fun....
Me: "Flaps 15 sync off condition levers 1050 landing checklist"
crickets
Helper: "heh heh, I'm sorry I have NO IDEA what you just said"
Sorry for the attempt at humor...I had a former student in mind when I wrote this. I think he's still afraid of the radios. Anyone with something more than a PP-ASEL that wasn't terrified of talking to ATC would be helpful though, and I'd imagine would be welcome after just having a colleague and possible friend die sitting next to you. I wouldn't be as focused as I needed to be, especially on a day like today with crappy weather.
RIP to the captain, and condolences to family and friends.
