Flight 1549: US Airways goes down in Hudson River

Cobra · Post by **Cobra** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 5:27 pm

Once you declare an emergency then the pilot can do anything (within practical reason) to try to save the situation. He doesn't need ATC permission.
For example, if Capt Sullenberger had thought he could have safely made it back to La Guardia then he simply would have told ATC that was what he was going to do. ATC then would have cleared his path for him. They certainly would not have said he couldn't try it.

Post by **Lawndart** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 7:58 pm

Sawamura wrote:Has the pilot not the right, to "request" an emergency landing in a river, or why didn't he just do it?

Like Cobra said, the pilot may deviate from any rule to the extent required to meet that emergency. That doesn't mean act stupid or foolish, but basically allows the pilot to break flying rules if necessary for a safe as possible outcome. I think what you're asking is why did he (need to) communicate to ATC about landing in the Hudson? Well, he didn't need to, but kept ATC informed about the situation and where he was going (usually a key part to coordinate rescue efforts and set the wheels in motion). Secondly, he did "just do it" (i.e. land in the river). There was never any ATC clearance part of the ditching and the crew did what they needed to do to allow for the most sucessful outcome in a scenario that didn't present many other options.

Tailhook · Post by **Tailhook** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:22 pm

I'd break any rule or law to save a life. Screw the $200 million dollar machine. Whatever lands me behind a desk the rest of my life or behind bars, I would still consider myself a hero if nobody lost their life thanks to me. Sully should be proud.

Post by **Lawndart** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:29 pm

Sully & crew are real heroes because they're incredibly humble and "were just doing their jobs".

P.S. What is the cost of an Airbus 320? Let me Google that for you!

Tailhook · Post by **Tailhook** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:35 pm

Lawndart wrote:P.S. What is the cost of an Airbus 320? Let me Google that for you!

Dude, that is awsome!

According to Wiki, an A320 is between $74-$80 million. Ok, I was a little off.

Post by **Lawndart** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 11:55 am

A teaser for the documentary entitled "The Miracle on the Hudson" about Flight 1549 and its journey.