1549 LGA-CLT

[drifterreno]

Dear Fellow USAPA Pilots,



This afternoon at approximately 12:15, Captain Sullenberger received a phone call from President Bush congratulating him on his efforts during yesterday's accident and rescue. The president said he was in awe of Capt. Sullenberger's flying skills.



Capt. Sullenberger thanked President Bush, but added that it was a team effort and required the assistance of his First Officer Jeff, and flight attendants Donna, Doreen and Sheila. He stated that, as professional airline pilots, we face risks and challenges every day, and we're really just doing our jobs. On this particular occasion, he said, we are particularly gratified by the outcome.

That was nice for President Bush to call. Now, President elect needs to call and speak to the entire crew, and invite them all to the inaguration. Next, they all deserve medals. Next New York needs to have a ticker tape parade for them--they saved thousands of lives.
I knew Capt Sully looked familiar and now I realize we both used to fly out of Reno on the early 6am flight all the time when he lived here. Maybe he still does. I remember one time he let me go ahead of him because I had a conx and his flight wasn't really till the next day and next flight was not full. I thought he was truly a gentleman at that time but now I know he's just a great person. I hope he still lives here because I'd love to see him again and thank him. I did send him a personal email and hehehe told him retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be. Just hope he keeps flying for US.

 

[EyeInTheSky]

I think they should pull the plane out of the water -- put it on a flat bed -- put all the passengers back on the wings -- Sully and Jeff sit on Airbus nosecone-- Donna, Doreen, and Shelia wave from the 1L and 1R doors and have a tickertape parade in Time's Square with Frank Sinatra's "I Did It My Way" blaring from the speakers. Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin would be there to do the play-by-play (cough, cough).

Later,
Eye

 

[fatherabraham]

Only one captain on board and holds final responsibility. That said, my guess is the F/O may have been the one manipulating the flight controls for landing on the water.
Hats off to both pilots!
FA

 

[jimcfs]

Info about the crew.

Title: US Airways Flight 1549 Update # 8
Date: 1/16/2009 700 PM

Airline Releases Crew Information
TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 2009--US Airways (NYSE: LCC) has released the names of the crew on board
Flight 1549.

Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger, III, age 58, joined US Airways (PSA
Airlines) in 1980. He has a total of 19,663 flight hours.

First officer Jeffrey B. Skiles, age 49, joined US Airways (USAir) in
1986. He has a total of 15,643 flight hours.

Flight Attendant Sheila Dail, age 57, joined US Airways (Piedmont
Airlines) 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, was hired by US Airways (Piedmont
Airlines) in 1982 and has more than 26 years with the airline.

In a press conference earlier today, US Airways Chairman and CEO Doug
Parker said, "I, like the rest of you, am extremely proud of our crew
for their quick and heroic actions. Today they are safe and doing well,
and along with so many other members of our team, are assisting with the
official investigation. In the meantime, our continued focus and support
will be on our passengers, their families and our crew."

Flight 1549 was involved in an accident en route to Charlotte, N.C. from
LaGuardia, N.Y. Airline officials are in direct contact with local,
state and national authorities and are cooperating fully with emergency
response efforts. US Airways has activated the "US Airways Care" team of
specially trained employee volunteers to assist families and passengers.

Individuals who believe they may have family members on board flight
1549 may call US Airways at 1-800-679-8215 within the United
States. This number can be reached toll-free from international
locations through AT&T's USADirect®. To contact an AT&T
operator, please visit http://www.usa.att.com/traveler
for USADirect® access codes.

US Airways will continue to release information as it becomes available.
Please monitor usairways.com for the latest information. (LCCG)

- LCC -

 

[NiceLandingCaptain]

Define salvagable. This is almost assuredly a complete hull loss so salvage will likely be scrap value.

According to news reports the plane is still in the Hudson and the two engines are not attached to the airframe. They are checking the river with SONAR to find the two engines. The airframe is tentatively scheduled to be removed from the water on Saturday and moved by barge to a secure location. (I have not read where that location is located.)

I would think that certainly the hull will be written off as a complete loss.

But will it be? Just a thought here: Couldn't the company keep significant portions of the aircraft and present them as rewards to employees who demonstrate outstanding performance or who pass significant milestones in their career?

What better way to show appreciation to a deserving employee than to present a piece of what is arguably, now, is one of the most famous aircraft in the world? Speaking for myself here, I know I would cherish something like that more than anything.

As for Captain Sullenberg; he gets the side-stick. Nothing could be more appropriate in this case - it is the direct interface through which that man spoke to that mortally wounded flying machine on that fateful flight.

I have been flying the Airbus 320 series aircraft for 19 years now. I've always thought them to be stout, capable airframes. Yesterday the landing on the Hudson proved it.

And, if you think about it, something similar can be said about this airline - at least for the people who work here!

 

[UPNAWAY]

Does this aircraft get scraped or end up in a museum?

 

[EyeInTheSky]

I ever so gently informed him he was full of poopie on Tripso.

I like Chris Elliott, I've been interviewed by him a few times. However no one is perfect and this time he missed the mark.

Piney what did you do? Did you threaten to go beat Chris up? Because the post/story is gone. Way to go Piney!! Who knew you had such leverege!!

Later,
Eye

 

[necigrad]

Does this aircraft get scraped or end up in a museum?

Dump it off at the Intrepid next to the Concorde!

 

[BoeingBoy]

Like those who restore old cars, often starting with not much more than a rusted out body, any airplane is salvageable. The decision whether to do it or not comes down to money - how much will it cost to repair vs how much it's worth once repaired.

Since this plane was leased, I would think that the lessor would have some input into the decision as long as the cost of repair isn't greatly in excess of the value.

Jim

 

[CLTUSCaptive]

Great article in the Charlotte Disturber about the miracle. Hope it isn't a repost. Excerpt:
"What if US Airways had – like so many companies these days – tossed overboard its experienced workers because of their higher salaries and health insurance costs? Chesley “Sullyâ€￾ Sullenberger, 57, white-haired and balding with 40 years' aviation experience, might not have been piloting that Airbus A320."
Link: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/112/story/478172.html

 

[pitguy]

Very good landing and excellent work by the flight crew. Man was everything lined up perfect to save all of these people. God was with them for sure.


Sully is fifty seven years old. Wow, it showed his wife and kids on the news. She looked pretty young and the two kids looked to be under ten years of age.

 

[drifterreno]

I love it!!! The entire crew was experienced!! Yes, those of you out there who love the young pretty little things---next time you see an older, mature FA thank her for her time. The young ones will get there someday and they have to start somewhere. What a better place to start than working with a lot of "older" mature FA's. AND I might add--all women!!!

 

[ALPO NO MO]

Very good landing and excellent work by the flight crew. Man was everything lined up perfect to save all of these people. God was with them for sure.


Sully is fifty seven years old. Wow, it showed his wife and kids on the news. She looked pretty young and the two kids looked to be under ten years of age.

Wife is 50(on her website) he's been a captain for a number of years so I guess she has had really good "skin care." One of the kids is in Jr. High and the other is close in age so they are not under 10 years old.

 

[SolidCactus]

Such an incredible story, and hats off to this entire crew, rescue workers, and everyone who made this possible.

There is no doubt that US Airways has some of the very best employees in the industry. I hope Tempe wakes up and embraces the VERY BEST ASSET they have - their employees.

 

[Phoenix]

I would think that certainly the hull will be written off as a complete loss.

But will it be? Just a thought here: Couldn't the company keep significant portions of the aircraft and present them..

They sure could. Small portions of the hull could be melted in with the metal that is used to produce the crew wings.

The US Navy boast their wings are made of gold and chides the Air Force for lead wings..

but if USAirways were to produce an alloy containing trace amounts of this special aircraft remains, it would be possible to produce a special alloy for every set of crew wings.. for now and for more years than man will rely on flying machines.

Imagine every set of USAirways' wings possessing a piece of the story.

The trace alloy could also be used to make special "ship's bells" for presentation to the boats that rescued the pax and crew.

My hat is off to the crew. Dougie should honor them with the responsibility to decide what to do with it.