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I think the only reason Sully got the praise he got was because the media found out his name and website; saw his background consisting as a former fighter pilot, having assisted the NTSB in accident investigations, has his own company involving aviation safety and his picture that showed a grey mustached old man who had that air of wisdom and experience. It just wouldn't have the same public effect if it was some young guy who looks like they barely reached pubity. I know this may get me in trouble now, but I bet if it was some young regional chick Captain that saved the day, you bet she'd be made into a star too.
How would the perception of the accident have changed?
A Dash's propellors woulda chopped em up into goose salad and it woulda kept on truckin.
Actually, whether he was a mainline pilot or a regional pilot, his experience and professionalism counted in the matters pertaining to both the successful ditching and how he managed the attention brought upon him after the event. His experience was a composite of military training, his airline training, his interest and exposure to safety issues through his volunteer work with ALPA in addition to his professional business activites, and his personal demeanor. With alot of luck and his and his fellow crewmember's actions, there were no fatalities resulting in an outcome of a crisis that could not have culminated in better circumstances.
Listen to his comments made at his hometown celebration on National News. It was refreshing to have this type of reporting made regarding our Profession as opposed to the case of another pilot caught going through security under the influence. He made me and others proud to be an Airline Pilot--irregardless of the number of seats or the size of the airplane we fly!
Why does anyone need to develop hypotheticals that create meaningless debate and dialogue that diminish the outcome in this miracle? This man is the consummate Professional Pilot. Maybe, as his peers and fellow Professionals, our time would be better spent in striving to achieve the same level of Professionalism and humbleness that he has exhibited!
Well said. In answer to your question. I think it's called an inferiority complex.