CL30 Captain reports RT BLEED LEAK CAS message during climbout and complies with emergency checklist procedures. ATC is informed of the need to return but FP is unresponsive to ATC instructions to descend and turn left. NFP eventually elicits a response and flight returns without further incident.

Narrative

During climbout a RT BLEED LEAK CAS message was observed. The Flying Pilot called for the memory item RT BLEED OFF; and I ran the emergency checklist for a right bleed leak. We advised ATC of our need to return. The Controller assigned an altitude of 14;000 feet as we were climbing through 15;800 feet. I set 14;000 feet and called it to PF. He did not respond ; I called again the altitude set; and the need to descend; again no response. The Controller then said to just level off at 17;000 feet and turn left to a heading of 360; we were assigned a 030 heading. I set the altitude and advised of the heading. The PF was fixated ahead and did not respond. I made several more calls about our need to descend and reached for the auto pilot disconnect; making one last loud vocal call. He responded by rolling the pitch trim wheel to slowly initiate a descent; and I advised him of the need to fly a heading of 360. He started a right turn which I stopped and I said left turn 360. He said he thought he needed to make a right turn the long way around; I loudly told him he needs to fly this plane to which he responded he was but his glasses were not letting him see the flight instruments. I told ATC we were quite busy with the airplane and were now in the descent and flying our assigned heading. The remainder of the flight was without incident.