What is the first step in the pilot incapacitation drill?

The first step in the pilot incapacitation drill is to remove the pilot from the controls. This action is crucial for maintaining the safety and control of the aircraft. If a pilot becomes incapacitated, their inability to manage the aircraft presents an immediate risk. By removing the incapacitated pilot from the controls, co-pilots or other crew members can ensure that the aircraft remains under safe operation. This step is foundational as it allows the remaining crew to take appropriate actions to regain control, assess the situation, and initiate further emergency response procedures if necessary.

Ensuring the pilot's seat is upright, engaging the inertia reel lock, and crossing the pilot's arms are important procedures that may follow, but they do not address the immediate necessity of maintaining control of the aircraft, which is the primary concern in an incapacitation scenario.