George Savage

What a wonderful sight!

As a general aviation pilot for 28 years, I am awed by the superior judgment and skill shown by the typical professional aviator.  Believe me, I am just enough of a flyer to fully appreciate the difference between acceptable and exceptional.  The crew of US Airways Flight 1549 just reset the standard of excellence for pros everywhere.

Media coverage of Thursday’s water landing of a disabled A320 airliner on the Hudson River has focused on Captain “Sully” Sullenberger’s stick-and-rudder skills, but, as he would certainly tell you, the outcome resulted from the entire crew quickly marshaling available resources and working together as a team.

Here’s some background from Fox Business on the heroic crew members who brought Flight 1549’s passengers safely home:

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.

Congratulations also to the rescuers who saw everyone safely ashore.