Aero-News: Quote of the Day

ANN's Quote of the Day usually derives from current news, though we reserve the right to pick quotes out of history that have a bearing on the day's events and issues.

Sometimes, you'll find them timely and in keeping with the content of the day's news... and sometimes, they'll just be thought-provoking.

Reader suggestions and comments are welcome... and if particularly intriguing, timely, or poignant, may themselves become future Quotes of the Day.

Let us hear from you, folks!

Aero-News Quote of the Day

"I had to make a serious decision. There were six people on board, but only five [parachutes], which is legal, but not fun... I knew my decisions could result in injury, or worse, death."

Source: Capt. Andreas Ix, recounting his actions on the morning of March 10, 2005. Ix kept a cool head after his C-17 Globemaster III suffered a bird strike to its radome, knocking out his ability to measure the plane's altitude and airspeed. Aided by the three crewmembers onboard the plane, as well as controllers from Altus Air Force Base, Ix brought the wounded aircraft in safely -- and for his efforts, Ix received the 2005 Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy from Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John. D.W. Corley in an awards ceremony May 12 at the Pentagon.

FMI: www.af.mil