Pilot Proficiency

Jumpseat: An Airline Pilot Returns Home

Friday, September 10, 2021 at 07:31 PM ET

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Captain Les Abend flew a Boeing 757 home with his crew to Newark from LAX following 9/11 in 2001. This 757 is in the current livery. Adobe Stock

Key Takeaways:

An airline pilot recounts the harrowing redeye flight to Newark post-9/11, grappling with the visible devastation of New York City and the profound emotional toll of his aircraft being used as a weapon.
Despite overwhelming personal grief and shared trauma with his crew and passengers, the pilot maintained professional focus to safely land the plane and complete his duty.
The journey home culminates in a deep appreciation for family, community, and the simple act of being safe, underscoring the renewed value of human connection in the face of tragedy.

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This story originally published in the September 2004 issue of Flying Magazine.

Les Abend is a retired, 34-year veteran of American Airlines, attempting to readjust his passion for flying airplanes in the lower flight levels—without the assistance of a copilot.