He Certainly Could Be Considered An Authoritative Speaker On The Subject

So imagine you're on the panel selecting a keynote speaker for the American Association of Airport Executives' (AAAE) Bird Strike Conference, slated for June 21-24 in Salt Lake City. How many names do you have to kick around before you arrive at Jeffrey Skiles?

Well, no matter how many names they considered, Bird Strike Committee USA said Monday that US Airways First Officer Jeffrey Skiles (pictured) will be the keynote speaker at the opening session on Tuesday, June 22. As the First Officer on US Airways Flight 1549, Jeffrey Skiles played an indispensable role ensuring the safe and miraculous landing of an A320 aircraft in the Hudson River after a catastrophic bird strike with Canada geese. Skiles will talk about that unforgettable day and the training, preparedness and teamwork that saved everyone's lives.

The son of two pilots, First Officer Jeff Skiles started flying at the age of 16 and to date has logged more than 15,000 hours in the sky. His early days were spent flying with his father over the Alcan Highway to Alaska. He went on to become a flight instructor, flew cargo and later worked for a commuter airline.

First Officer Skiles has a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has spent the last 23 years as a First Officer and Captain for US Airways. He also is the Vice President of the Coalition of Airline Pilot's Associations.

First Officer Skiles calls Oregon, Wisconsin home where he lives with his wife and three children.

FMI: www.aaae.org