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| US Air 1549 Lessons Learned About Leadership, Planning, and Experience |
"Circumstances determined that it was this experienced crew that was scheduled to fly that particular flight on that particular day… But I know I can speak for the entire crew when I tell you we were simply doing the job we were trained to do." Capt. Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III Source: AP 1/24/09 account of 1/15/09 water landing of US Air 1549
It was a cold, wintry New York morning as the airbus A320 took off from the frigid north of LaGuardia airport on its scheduled route to the warm Carolinas. On board were 150 passengers and 5 crewmembers.
The perfect take off at 3:26 pm was flawless; suddenly a flock of birds changed everything. As any pilot will tell you, "Birds and airplane engines don't like each other." The birds die and so too the engines.
At 3:31 pm, Capt. Sully brought the plane down, safely. Within a matter of minutes ferryboats in the area, and other first responders safely rescued all on board.
While hailed as a miracle, with acts of heroism, the incredible news- breaking story was simply a reflection of parts of sound business and individual contributions. Leadership, planning, and experience characterized the underpinnings of the success of an incident that could have ended very differently.
Leadership- Someone took charge with thoughts of doing their job and everyone's well being.
- Then others took charge sharing those same thoughts.
- Then still others were in charge of themselves and their neighbor.
- In spite of the self-reliance and courage, prayers were said aloud and passengers talked of faith and God's grace for their being alive.
Planning- Plan for the worse, hope for the best; deal with what comes – a mantra that wise leaders and professionals understand.
- Rehearsing, studying, and investing Plan B's and C's to address in "what could never happen."
Experience- Capt Sully, 58 employee since 1980
- 1st Officer Jeff Skiles, 49 employee since 1986
- Flight attendant Sheila Dail, 57 – employee since 1980 - 28 years experience
- Flight attendant Doreen Welsh, 58 – employee since 1970 - 38 years experience
- Flight attendant Donna Dent, 51 – employee since 1982 - 26 years experience
- Perhaps the older worker will gain a bit more respect in terms of the value they bring to workforces everywhere.
To the Captain and Crew: Glad your planning and experience enabled your leadership to excel. If it was a miracle, surely God used each of you to make it happen. AMEN. |
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