By PIERRE BONNY | wpix.com

4:06 p.m. EDT, June 18, 2009
NEWARK (WPIX)—
While the crew assessed the frightening situation aboard Continental Airlines Flight 61 after their pilot died of an apparent heart attack mid-flight Thursday, passengers weren't told a thing.

Flight attendants managed to maintain composure, by continuing to serve snacks to the 247 passengers aboard the flight from Brussels to Newark.

After arriving safely to their destination, passengers were shocked to learn that their pilot had reportedly died four hours into their seven-hour trip.

Passengers who spoke to PIX News said an announcement was made over the cabin PA system that a doctor was needed at the front of the plane. Nothing else was ever announced, they said.

"All we heard was a doctor was needed on board the plane," Rich Eskew of Staten Island told PIX News. "The doctor went to the front of the plane and that's all we heard. It was a very professional crew. Everything was very calm."

Passengers commended the staff aboard the plane on how they handled the situation.

Betist Wilamena from Amsterdam, said she didn't notice a thing. "It was a very good landing. No one knew of anything until the plane landed."

"The flight was great, there were no irregularities whatsoever," said passenger Fried Deschouwer.

Officials say a relief pilot on board, took place of the dead pilot, who's described as a 60-year-old Newark-based pilot who worked for the airline for 32 years. The Boeing 777 even touched down on schedule, just before its 12 p.m. arrival time.