CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR AN AIRCRAFT

A control device (462) for an aircraft (100) comprises a push-button switch (412) that is configured to be held in a depressed position (412b) by a pilot during taxiing of the aircraft (100). The push-button switch (412) is configured to return automatically to a released position (412a) if it is not held in the depressed position (412b) by the pilot. The control device (462) is configured to output a command for braking to a braking system (464) of the aircraft, if the push-button switch (412) moves to the released position (412a) during taxiing of the aircraft and does not return to the depressed position (412b) within a set time. The button may be provided on a tiller (301). A method (505) of detecting on-board pilot incapacitation during an aircraft taxi phase is also disclosed.