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JEFF SKILES TO SPEAK
AT SUN 'n FUN
Co-Pilot of U.S. Airways Flight 1549, “The Miracle on the Hudson”
“No terrible thoughts went through my head, none at all. I didn’t worry that I might not live through this—and no pilot would. Unless the situation is completely out of your control, there’s always something you can do.” - Jeff Skiles
On January 15, 2009, U.S. Airways flight 1549 struck a flock of Canada geese, causing the plane to lose both engines. First Officer Jeff Skiles shut down the engines and began the process of restarting them as Captain Chesley Sullenberger radioed air traffic control. In just a few moments, high above New York City, Skiles and Sullenberger decided against turning around or heading for any of the nearby airports—where they risked flying over heavily populated areas. With no better options, the pilots made the decision to “ditch” the plane in the Hudson. Two minutes later, the plane was down in the twenty-degree water of the Hudson—and in one piece. A few short minutes after the cabin was told to “brace for impact”—surely three of the most terrifying words the traveler can imagine hearing—all 150 passengers and 5 crew members were safely evacuating onto the wings.
Get the chance to meet Jeff and hear his story at the SUN 'n FUN Evening Program:
Wednesday, April 14th 8:00 p.m.
Evening Program Supported by:
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