Thanks! Great audio!
When the captain was asked if he wanted to land in Teterboro, his “Yes” didn’t sound very confident. Thank goodness he kept his presence of mind to reject this idea quickly. If he had made that right turn, there could have been a catastrophe.
Some are crediting his glider experience with his ability to realize his choices were the river or disaster. I would sooner think it was his years and years sitting in that left seat, landing thousands of times, with the power all but off and knowing by the seat his pants how far that aircraft could go. It was just another final approach to the seat of his pants, and he could look out the window and know exactly how far he could go. Thank God, literally, it wasn’t his FINAL approach!
I would like to know from someone who has flown both gliders and heavy jets if there’s any similarity between them.
Believe me, I am in no way detracting from the job he did that day! My grandmother used to tell me when I was kid that when it’s your time to go you’re gone, period. I wonder who it was on that flight whose time hadn’t come yet?