....Chesley B. Sullenberger III, or "Sully."
Simply amazing. Most folks who know me know that even though I don't have a whole lot of time in the air, I know a few things about airplanes. I also know enough to know that Captain Sullenberger performed a brilliant ditch in the Hudson River. Even ditching in a small airplane is a dodgy affair, and this guy put Airbus' equivalent of a 737 in the water in one piece. What is great is that this guy is getting not only a slap on the back from the general public, but aviation types are also giving him the Bravo Zulu because they are the ones who know what he really pulled off here. From what I understand, in the three or four minutes the aircraft was in the air, Captain Sullenberger had an apparent bird strike that took out both engines. Then, he actually was able to fully contemplate all his options (return to LaGuardia, divert to Teterboro, or ditch in the river) and then made his decision and deadsticked the plane into a perfect ditch. He then assisted the passengers in getting out, and was the last person out of the plane after double checking that everyone had safely un-assed the airplane.
A few thoughts on the crash yesterday:
Blackfive says that Captain Sullenberger was a former Phantom (F-4) pilot. I can hear my uncle now (former Marine Phantom pilot). Sullenberger was also a Zoomie, but then nobody's perfect.
Rachel Lucas has suggested that we should look for PETA to try to outlaw aviation since it seems to be dangerous to geese.
For anyone who does not know the inherent danger in ditching a large aircraft, here's the Wiki on what usually happens.
One can only wonder how those passengers are feeling right now, but one thing is for sure: today is the first day of the rest of their lives.
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