Dave,

Obviously, you've provided some expert feedback. Thanks for the
reply. Your first paragraph is pretty much how I handled it, and
thank God I never had to progress too much further. I did try back
blows, which may or may not have been wise. I felt pretty helpless
even with the training I've had. In this case the back blows made no
difference. Every time I attempted to move myself into a position to
help if needed, I had problems controlling the airplane in the rough
air. I might have been able to keep my left hand on the right side of
the yoke and wrap my right arm around her waist, slide my fist up and
provide some modified thrusts. Don't know if I'd have moved much air
with that one armed procedure. It was if that candy was cemented in
place!

Every flight an adventure!

"Dave S" wrote in message
ink.net...
I would have asked her 1) are you choking? and if she nodded yes I
would
have asked 2) can you talk? and if she nodded no then I would have
intervened. OTherwise as long as shes moving air in SOME form or
fashion
I would let HER focus on clearing the obstruction and ME focus on
setting down somewhere if it didnt immediately clear.

If intervention were warranted (assuming a front seat passenger), I
would have attempted one or two modified abdominal thrusts (with
similar
direction and force as a heimlich). One or two thrusts will not
cause a
total departure from controlled flight in my opinion, and it might
provide enough effect to dislodge the obstruction. Thrust or two..
verify the plane is in control.. thrust again.. etc.. if it doesnt
clear
within a few moments of thrusting then its unlikely you will clear
the
obstruction in the air with lay skills. At that point, its purely a
personal decision what do do next.

Dave, RN, EMTP, PPSEL