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:

A pilot recounts his emotionally charged first flight into Newark after 9/11, grappling with the visible devastation of the World Trade Center site and a profound sense of violation while striving to maintain professional focus.
The journey highlights the shared trauma and quiet resilience of the aviation crew and passengers, all deeply affected but determined to complete their flight and return home amidst the changed post-tragedy environment.
The narrative culminates in the pilot's intense longing for, and deeply emotional reunion with, his wife and family, underscoring a profound re-evaluation of what truly matters and a renewed appreciation for life and human connection.

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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.