Miracle of Flight 1549

[Dias de verano]

Apparently, the mayor of New York City has given him 'the key to the city'.

Also, correct me if i'm wrong, but wasn't the captain a certified gliding pilot too?

He probably also has a driver's license, but I don't see how that's relevant. 

Gliding skills would be very relevant indeed, since after both engines went out, he needed to glide the A320 around a 180 degree turn and down onto the Hudson.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Exactly.

As a glider pilot, he would have had experience in situations where you don't have an engine propelling you through the air.
He would have known the limitations and how to properly control the aircraft.

[BC_Programmer]

true- but the plane likely didn't handle like a glider in the same way a car doesn't handle like a plane. Although I suppose my attempt at an analogy fails since cars don't fly.

So basically, it probably did factor in, but I think the most important thing is the fact that he was able to turn training of any sort into action at a critical time.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

I wonder what was going through his mind...

'Hey! A river!'

[Dias de verano]

true- but the plane likely didn't handle like a glider in the same way a car doesn't handle like a plane. Although I suppose my attempt at an analogy fails since cars don't fly.

So basically, it probably did factor in, but I think the most important thing is the fact that he was able to turn training of any sort into action at a critical time.

Basically you could not have had a better guy in the cockpit in that situation. Capt Sullenberger has over 40 years flying experience, he heads his own safety consulting business. has served as an instructor and as an Airline Pilots Association (Alpa) safety chairman and accident investigator. He has taken part in several USAF and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident investigations. He has written both written books and lectured on the subject of the psychology of human behaviour in emergencies.

I gathered from the news reports that his gliding skills helped because once the engines were out, it was necessary to put the planes nose down to prevent it from stalling, which would be contrary to all the instincts of a pilot who had purely powered flight experience, and which may explain why other planes in similar situations have been destroyed.

[JJ 3000]

This song was on " A Prairie Home Companion" last week:

His name was Chesley B. Sullenberger the 3rd
Which for a pilot is somewhat absurd
A pilot's name should be Buzz, Bill or Chuck
But a name like Chesley may mean good luck

He was flying an Airbus out of New York
When at 3000 feet the engine lost torque
His voice was calm as he sent out the word
Chesley B. Sullenberger the 3rd

No time to maneuver or head for New Jersey
The force of gravity shows us no mercy
And there was the river stretching for miles
So he said to his copilot Jeffrey Skiles.
"We'll put it down here, don't look at the maps,
Bring the landing gear up, extend the flaps."
And the flight attendants prepared themselves
Donna Dent, Sheila Dail, and Doreen Welsh.

The city spread out below at his feet
And he landed at the foot of 48th Street
On the Hudson River he landed the bird
Chesley B. Sullenberger the 3rd

The plane did not sink, it lay on the river
And all aboard were safely delivered
It could have been tragic but no deaths occurred
Thanks to Chesley B. Sullenberger the 3rd

The next time you fly, look in the cockpit
Where the captain and first officer calmly sit
Ready to take you up and onward
Like Chesley B. Sullenberger the 3rd

Take you across the country for miles
With officers like Jeffrey Skiles.
And attendants who in crisis don't fail
Donna Dent, Doreen Welsh, and Sheila Dail.



have a listen
http://prairiehome.publicradio.org/www_publicradio/tools/media_player/popup.php?name=phc/2009/01/17/phc_20090117_64&starttime=00:15:12&endtime=00:18:15

[Dias de verano]

Good old Garrison Keillor!

[evilfantasy]

Miraculous, yes. Miracle, no.

It's no miracle getting licensed, testing and training.

Now if the pilot would have walked across the water of the Hudson.....

[soybean]

Also, correct me if i'm wrong, but wasn't the captain a certified gliding pilot too?

He probably also has a driver's license, but I don't see how that's relevant. 

Well, it's just another part of his total experience with flying, and, once the engines on Flight 1549 failed, the aircraft was just gliding until landing. 

His background in flying is extensive.  If I have my facts straight, at age 15, he was flying crop dusters.  Later, he went into the Air Force and became a fighter pilot.  And, somewhere along the line, he obtained a certification as a glider pilot.  Surely, all his past experience is what made him an exceptional pilot. 

[patio]

Even with Glider experience i'll bet that's the first time he glided in anything that large...
No doubt his skill came in handy though...many pilots have not survived such a manouver

[Broni]

Plane crash in New York was no accident:

[BC_Programmer]

I didn't know Islam believed in reincarnation...

[Broni]

It' not about reincarnation. It's about multiple personality syndrome

[BC_Programmer]

Wow, I really should try to get that, so I can transform into animals!


the sneaky part? Well, anybody else would turn into a bear when they get pissed and smash their opponent with their paws. Not me. Turn into a Flesh-eating cockroach and climb into their ear. then naw away at their insides until they are begging to be slain. Then turn into a bear.

[Broni]

There is also another version of the incident...