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To: McGruff
I didn't know pilots needed to learn how to crash.

They should. If Sully hadn't spent time in the simulator learning how to ditch, that might have had a different outcome. There has to be a way to put even a big plane down to optimize the number of survivors. (in some cases, granted, given terrain and other factors, it just won't make a difference.)

375 posted on 03/27/2015 9:58:34 AM PDT by Smokin' Joe (How often God must weep at humans' folly. Stand fast. God knows what He is doing.)
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To: Smokin' Joe; McGruff

Actually we do learn how to “crash.” The really big planes don’t get the same opportunity but the rest of us get to do “dead stick” landings. At some point the instructor shoves in the throttle and tells you to put it on the ground. But learning dead stick is great practice for when you might have to land on a short or soft field-—or even a pasture, where you want to minimize the ground roll. It’s all part of driving the machine as opposed to going along for the ride. And slowing the plane to the flyable minimum would also minimize possible damage on the ground.


377 posted on 03/27/2015 11:34:32 AM PDT by cherokee1 (skip the names---just kick the buttz)
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To: Smokin' Joe

I had read that as a teenager in North Texas that Sullenberger first learned to fly from a crop-duster pilot. May have gained some early confidence in operating down low.


379 posted on 03/27/2015 2:56:41 PM PDT by Rockpile
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