U.S. Airways Flight 1549
Sometimes a plan just comes together. Some call it “fate,” others call it “divine intervention.” I’m a praying man, a Christian man, and I believe that what happened on U.S. Airways flight 1549 (the plane that ditched into the Hudson River) was nothing short of a miracle. Let’s consider some of the facts, shall we?
First, we’ve learned that both engines were completely disabled as a result of some wayward Canada Geese who chose a very unfortunate flight path themselves. How rare is this? It’s never happened in recorded history, but it happened on that day. The events that followed were awe inspiring. A flight crew with more than 130 years of combined experience sprung into action. In the very short time they had before putting the plane down, the flight attendants made sure everyone was strapped in and as prepared as they could be for a crash landing. The pilot and co-pilot chose the river as a landing strip. I’ve put some thought to this, and I believe the pilot chose the river not only because it gave him the best chance at survival, but it also spared as many innocent bystanders on the ground as possible, too. He even chose a spot void of any water taxis or pleasure boats.
An Airbus A320 aircraft has a capacity of 150 passengers. Its over 120 feet long, 40 feet high, has a wingspan of more than 110 feet and weighs about 160,000lbs at takeoff. Now, consider how hard it must be to set that thing belly-down into the river WITHOUT flipping it over. Captain Chesley Sullenberger (the pilot) showed extraordinary skill and his hours of military experience, hours in the flight simulator, and hours in the air as a paid pilot are truly invaluable.
Next came the part that’s the most amazing of all to me. This plane was full. Full flights always bring additional stress. Takeoffs and landings in and around Manhattan’s narrow corridors bring stress. The 9/11 terrorist attacks are always on my mind when I fly in or out of New York. The country is in a state of transition, stress, recession, etc, and yet… every one of those passengers showed compassion, calm, order, and as they filed out and stood on the wings, you got the sense that somehow, they were prepared for this. It was almost eerie, nobody died, they helped each other, as courageous volunteers picked them in their water taxis, the majority of them were smiling!
That was the part I took inspiration from. Am I afraid to fly after that accident? Absolutely not, in fact, I’m looking forward to my next flight to Manhattan! I’ve listed the names of the crew from that day here in this blog. Why? I’m not sure… but pray for them if you feel led to, write them letters, thank them. Most importantly, I implore you to realize that the vast majority of flight crew members out there are just like these people! Most of the commercial pilots who are over 40 bring as much experience to the table (military and otherwise) as Capt. Sullenberger did. Your flight attendants, every one of them, are prepared to ditch their carts and save your butts when/if the time comes. Shake their hands, write them letters, their jobs are on the line and their companies need to know that they’re appreciated!
Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger, III
Age 58, joined US Airways (PSA Airlines) in 1980. He has a total of 19,663 flights hours
First officer Jeffrey B. Skiles
Age 49, joined US Airways in 1986. He has a total of 15,643 flight hours.
Flight attendant, Shelia Dail
Age 57, joined US Airways in 1980 and has more than 28 years experience with the airline.
Flight attendant, Doreen Welsh
Age 58, joined US Airways (Allegheny Airlines) in 1970 and has more than 38 years experience with the airline.
Flight attendant, Donna Dent
Age 51, joined US Airways (Piedmont Airlines) in 1982 and has more than 26 years experience with the airline.
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