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 his deeply emotional return to Newark after 9/11, grappling with feelings of violation and trepidation while witnessing the smoke-filled Manhattan skyline.
Despite the profound personal and collective trauma, he and his crew maintain professional focus to safely land the plane, carrying shell-shocked passengers.
The narrative emphasizes his longing for home and family, culminating in a powerful reunion that underscores a renewed appreciation for loved ones and the simple act of being safe.

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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.