Mnemonic on the Hudson

On Thursday, 12 January 2023, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) celebrated the heroic actions taken by the crew of US Airways Flight 1549—the so-called Miracle on the Hudson—and vowed to use the influence afforded the world's largest, most influential pilots union to ensure at least two fully qualified, highly trained, and well-rested pilots remain perennial fixtures on all Part 121 flight-decks.

On 15 January 2009, as an astonished world bore witness, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles worked together under extraordinary circumstances to save the lives of 155 passengers and fellow crew-members.

Incoming ALPA president Captain Jason Ambrosi remarked: “When faced with the life-or-death challenge of losing both engines three-thousand feet above the Hudson River, Capt. Sullenberger and F/O Skiles worked together to save the lives of all those aboard Flight 1549. Two highly qualified and fully experienced professional pilots are the foundation upon which our aviation system is built. On that fateful day 14 years ago, it required the combination of every bit of expertise and experience that both Captain Sullenberger and First Officer Skiles earned in their years as airline pilots to perform the controlled emergency landing into the Hudson as safely as they did. There is no automated or remotely operated replacement for the collaboration, communication, and airplane feel made possible by having at least two pilots on the flight deck. To be crystal clear: The presence of two pilots on the flight deck saved lives that cold January afternoon in 2009.”

Notwithstanding the veracity of Ambrosi’s words, Flight 1549’s one-hundred-percent survival rate, and data supporting two-pilot operations gleaned during the storied accident’s investigation, airline industry and legislative efforts are underway to reduce the number of pilots on the flight-decks of Part 121 aircraft. Subject efforts appear solely and shamefully attributable to avarice, and evince a willingness on the parts of airline boards and lawmakers to prioritize profits over human life.

ALPA has and continues to fight against efforts to crew airliners with a single pilot, and plans to step up its campaign to underscore the importance of having at least two pilots on the flight deck, working together—just as Captain Sullenberger and First Officer Skiles did 14 years ago, to ensure the safety and security of passengers and cargo every day and night.

Captain Ambrosi concluded: “This is a critical year as Congress begins work on the next FAA reauthorization. ALPA will remain resolute in opposing any efforts to weaken the safest aviation system in the world, including any attempt to reduce the number of crewmembers on the flight deck. While money may talk in Washington, the safety of the flying public and our flight crews is not for sale.”

FMI: www.alpa.org