Flight Crew Dream Team

As a former flight attendant (for another airline), I have to say that this was the perfect ditching ["How Sullenberger Really Saved US Airways Flight 1549," usnews.com]. Obviously the captain and the first officer did a magnificent job, but please let's not forget the flight attendants. The training for ditching, if my memory is correct, gives the flight attendants 90 seconds to clear the cabin. It took 90 seconds on the Hudson—perfect! The more I read about this ditching, the more I realize how amazing the five crew members were! All the power to them!

Comment by Gil of NC

Sullenberger is not a hero. He did, however, make a brilliant split-second decision, and followed it up with incredible professionalism and skill. His first officer and flight crew appear to have been just as skilled and professional. Simply superb.

Comment by David H. of VA

OK, I agree that the training provided a basis for what [Captain] Sullenberger did. While in Iraq, I saw thousands of soldiers with decades of training. The secret to doing the right thing within seconds is keeping your head clear of distractions like "I am going to die!" Selflessness is a character trait that allows a person to do the right thing quicker without panic. Do you think that training is what motivates those heroic soldiers who fall on a grenade to save his fellow soldiers? Remember, he has less than three seconds to make the decision! No! People who are more concerned for the welfare of others think more clearly in those situations than others. We give medals to these people. We refer to them as heroes!

Comment by Randy C Fritz of CO

We often hear of the "perfect storm" of everything that could go wrong, goes wrong. The exact opposite happened here, and add to the fact [that] Sully and crew are as good as it gets.

Comment by Art C. of NY