Mitragorz

Haven't you seen that episode of Mythbusters? A controller can even talk down a non-pilot and have a successful landing.

"For their first test, both Adam and Jamie decided to see if they could land a plane unaided. However, since both MythBusters had no flight experience and had no idea what most of the instruments and controls did, they both were forced to crash land their planes. In their second runs, Adam and Jamie had Terry, a licensed pilot, give them instructions via radio. With Terry's help, both Adam and Jamie were able to land their planes safely. However, even though the test was a success, Terry pointed out that most modern planes are so advanced that their autopilot systems can land the plane by themselves, negating the need for a civilian pilot. This information, coupled with the lack of any recorded incidents, led the MythBusters to declare the myth plausible."

blastoff

The big thing they don't address is...can someone who has NEVER flown find the Push to talk switch that's hidden on the backside of the yoke on most airliners? Let alone tune in a usable frequency if the jet has cruised out of range of the last ATC facility.