Use of the appelation "hero" has become diluted in recent years, In my opinion. But yesterday we had some examples of real heroism. My hats off to the Captain and crew of US Airways flight 1549.

In my opinion it is nothing short of a miracle that no one died in this episode. It is a testament to the training of our country's flight crews. The captain and crew deserve all the kudos we can bestow on them.

Hear Hear!!

Absolutely amazing. Good job Sully! :)

That was amazing. I am left wondering if this was the first time that a plane went down in water and there were no deaths.

Could be a first...

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It appears to be the first time that a large commercial jet liner ever has made a successful controlled landing into a body of water.

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I used to work in a bldg right on the Hudson in Hoboken. There is a lot of river traffic around that time of day so its not surprising there were plenty of boats available for rescue operations.

But still, the actions of the crew had to have an affect on the passengers. That there was a relatively controlled pickup of the passengers is amazing.

Yes,hats off to the captain and others who kept their composure in what could have been a disaster. I couldn't agree more!

When I first heard about this I wondered if the pilot was a former military pilot as his maneuver could only have been from experience. That's basically why airlines like to hire the ex fighter pilots as they know how to properly fly a plane against all odds. That pilot sure deserves every medal there is for keeping his cool and not crashing into a building or neighborhood full of people.

Every time I fly over water I say to my wife that these floatation devices are useless because we will probably be dead on impact.

The fact that he was able to land the plane in water and everyone was able to successfully de-embark is truly amazing.

I heard that he also works as a consultant for flight safety, this guy knew his stuff and fortunately for the passengers he was the one flying this plane at the right time.

Call it Devine intervention or the confluence of extraordinary circumstances which saved these people; but if I was on that plane I would believe that the Hand of God itself graced me that day by putting that particular pilot on the plane which was going to suck some birds into the engine and become disabled.

These people won the lottery of life; they've been given a second chance.

Truly amazing, a hero indeed.

I'm guessing he might cringe at the word "hero"... (all the more reason to praise him)... he didn't run into a burning building... he was in it to begin with. He just performed at the very top of the curve...

Now, understand I'm in no way trying to take away from what was done. That he managed to land a plane under no engine power on water in the middle of freakin NY without cartwheeling or igniting the fuel is just amazing.

I just think if you asked him "double or nothing"... (try again)... he wouldn't take. It was all but a miracle performed by the right man in the right place at the right time.

There are "heros" who die under similar circumstances.

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Originally Posted by kp2171

im guessing he might cringe at the word "hero"... (all the more reason to praise him)... he didnt run into a burning building... he was in it to begin with. he just performed at the very top of the curve...

now, understand im in no way trying to take away from what was done. that he managed to land a plane under no engine power on water in the middle of freakin NY without cartwheeling or igniting the fuel is just amazing.

i just think if you asked him "double or nothing"... (try again)... he wouldnt take. it was all but a miracle performed by the right man in the right place at the right time.

there are "heros" who die under similar circumstances.

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Granted, but I don't believe that any Hero "decides" to be one he just does what is required in his mind, at that crucial moment. Though he was trained for emergencies and how to handle them he did his best and it saved over 150 lives including an infant.

I believe that any person that did anything above and beyond as he did if asked to do it again would ask if you were insane. This man and his crew, apparently highly trained and competent, called for something deep inside themselves that was indeed heroic. That title, I believe, would be granted him by every passenger on that plane.

I understand what you are saying though, it wasn't a decision to risk his life or not to, he was already involved. But I have to say, the crew and passengers are happy that this hero was flying that plane, at that time, on that day.

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Originally Posted by twinkiedooter

When I first heard about this I wondered if the pilot was a former military pilot as his maneuver could only have been from experience.

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His wife said he's flown gliders too, so that experience definitely helped. She also said he becomes one with the plane when he flies.

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

I used to work in a bldg right on the Hudson in Hoboken. There is a lot of river traffic around that time of day so its not surprising there were plenty of boats available for rescue operations.

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It was at 3:30 when the boats were at their piers getting ready for the going-home-from-work crowd. That also meant the river was fairly clear of traffic.

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Originally Posted by Stringer

I believe that any person that did anything above and beyond as he did if asked to do it again would ask if you were insane. This man and his crew, apparently highly trained and competent, called for something deep inside themselves that was indeed heroic. That title, I believe, would be granted him by every passenger on that plane.

I understand what you are saying though, it wasn't a decision to risk his life or not to, he was already involved. But I have to say, the crew and passengers are happy that this hero was flying that plane, at that time, on that day.

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I do completely agree with you.

I have no problem calling him a hero... he saved many lives... when the circumstances were stacked hard against him... I don't get how he could take an aircraft and place it on water without one wing catching first and causing it to spin... don't get that at all...

my "point" was more in the vein of how isn't it amazing how those who represent the best of us often don't see themselves in that light?

I just don't think this guy is ever going to see himself as a "hero". I think he will be happy with his work... he will accept that he did his best and even appreciate how uncommon and unlikely this end is... but I get the sense he just isn't going to be the kind to bear the robe of Hero...

which makes him one even more so...

so my stepdaughter is leaving for london tonight... her honeymoon trip... and my son (5 yr old) gets on the phone to talk to her. Tells her about the plane that landed in water. About the people standing on the wing. The crane that will lift it out soon.

then, as they are saying their goodbyes he says "well just tell the pilot if he sees some birds to turn the plane, ok?"

it was the cutest damn thing. Kind of tough to explain to a preschooler what a hard bank at 300mph means...

"ok" she said... laughing all the way... =)

I agree also, from what I have heard from his wife and his neighbors he seems exactly like that kind of man. And you are right, that makes him even more the hero. And lord knows, we need more people like him.

Let's tip our hat to Southwest, and there pilot training programs. I heard on the radio that pilots are trained to do exactly what this man did in case of bird strike. The fact that he executed it perfectly makes him remarkable; but there are a lot of people out there who do their job the way it was supposed to be done.

To everyone who does their job the way it's supposed to be done and especially to those who have our lives in our hands, you are hero's everyday. Not for your extraordinary feats, but for doing your job with professionalism and making sure we are safe and you take your training seriously to keep us safe in even extraordinary circumstances.

I often malign pilots saying they are glorified bus drivers; but it's times like these that your glad that they are prepared for the worst.

I don't know if he is a hero in the traditional sense of the word and God knows the media loves a hero and so do the American people.

What is extraordinary in this day and age and does make him a hero of sorts is that he didn't screw it up; he took the training he received and applied it flawlessly. Could another pilot have done the same, I have no doubt; but the fact is that he did it.

Remember the hero's behind him, all those in the airline industry who train pilots; former pilots who give of their time etc. to make sure the next generation of pilots know there stuff.

Hero, I'm not so sure. Best damn pilot today for 150+ passengers and crew, you bet.

Not sure that Michael Newdow would approve of all this talk of divine intervention and miracles :)

Look for PETA to claim the plane violated the birds airspace. I heard some activist claim that "climate change" has disrupted to migratory pattern of the Canadian Geese (the bird supposedly involved in this incident ) . However ;anyone who has been around Laguardia Airport can attest to the fact that the geese along the Flushing Bay Promenade are well fed and have no reason to leave .

He landed almost in the perfect spot for a rapid response. Ferry services and Circle Line tours all dock on the piers around the crash site. Pilot "Sully"Sullenberger was the right man at the right place at the right time .If it was written in fiction it would be too good to be true .

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Originally Posted by tomder55

If it was written in fiction it would be too good to be true .

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Anyone want to start a pool on how quickly we see a movie from this incident? ;)

Ok, the movie will undoubtedly be out sometime in late 2009. My guess it will be a made for TV movie. Haven't figured out who the stars are yet. I'll get back to you with that info. It sure would be a great movie though considering the alternative ending that could have happened.

Being an airline pilot is 7 hours and 59 minutes of sheer boredom and one minute of ultimate terror. You have no second chances of doing anything wrong and a split second to make the decision. Pilots must be cool and calm and have their wits about them. Landing and taking off are two of the most stressful times in flying a plane when there are the most accidents/incidents.