A California Hero
By now, many of you (perhaps worldwide) have heard the story and seen the photos of U.S. Airways Flight 1549, and its pilot, Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger, who successfully ditched the A320 jet in the Hudson River without any loss of life or major injuries. Captain Sullenberger saved the lives of 155 passengers and crew members, including his own.
When both jet engines of the A320 were struck by birds and incapacitated, Captain Sullenberger landed the A320 on the icy waters of the Hudson River, next to Manhattan, the scene of so much September 11 heroism and Wall Street financial cowardice. Passengers and crew were evacuated to the partially submerged wings where they stood in the icewater while boats hurried to pick them up. News reports that I have seen state that Captain Sullenberger walked the length of the downed and sinking plane twice to ensure that all passengers and crew had been evacuated. With the air and water temperatures at the time, people could remain in the water only two or three minutes without experiencing hypothermia.
The CNN article linked above states that Captain Sullenberger was phoned by President George W. Bush, who praised him and his crew for their heroic efforts. The flight crew was also given the “key to the city” by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
The 57-year-old Captain “Sully” Sullenberger and his family are residents of nearby Danville, California. In another industry, Captain Sullenberger might have met with age discrimination and been forced to give up the equivalent of “his wings.” Instead, Captain Sullenberger used his wisdom and experience to save the lives of 155 people, including his own. U.S. Airways should also be recognized for policies and practices that kept Captain Sullenberger in the pilot seat. More details, including the heroic efforts of the captain of a New York Waterway ferry, which reached the crashed plane in less than four minutes, and of other rescuers, are in the CNN story. CNN has a related story and a video as well.
Thanks, Captain Sullenberg and crew! It is uplifting to know that there are true heroes in these days of mostly negative news. Captain Sullenberger – I, for one, am proud to live in the same “Tri-Valley” with you.
-Bill at Cheshire Cat Photo™
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