Jumpseat: US Airways Flight 1549

Les Abend

Monday, November 09, 2009 at 11:23 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The article emphasizes the co-pilot's vital role as a critical cockpit resource, exemplified by First Officer Jeff Skiles's professionalism during US Airways Flight 1549.
The "Miracle on the Hudson" was attributed to Captain Sullenberger and First Officer Skiles's pure pilot skills, procedural knowledge, and seamless crew coordination, rather than a miracle.
Skiles's detailed account of the dual engine failure and ditching highlights the crew's immediate, practiced response and their collaborative decision-making under extreme pressure.
The incident underscores the immense value and professionalism of airline pilots, often undervalued, and the necessity of experienced, well-trained flight crews for safe operations.

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One of the best resources that I can access in the cockpit is available without a three-ring binder. This resource does not involve a red warning light, an electronic siren or a SATCOM radio. The best resource that I have is by far the guy or gal who’s seated to my right.

At no other time has this fact become more publicly apparent than on board the A-320 of US Airways Flight 1549. Until that frigid day in the middle of January, First Officer Jeff Skiles was just another resource.