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Friday, January 23, 2009 12:00 AM

Ask the pilot

It wasn't heroics that saved the passengers of Flight 1549. It was professionalism -- and luck.
By Patrick Smith

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  • Friday, January 23, 2009 06:04 AM

    Thanks, and a comment

    First of all, thanks for providing information about how the plane was able to preserve some hydraulic systems functionality - none of the mass media coverage I've seen explained how the pilots were able to manipulate the aircraft's hydraulically-powered control surfaces after losing power in both engines.

    My two cents - perhaps the key factor in this successful ditching was Sullenberger's training and experience as a glider pilot. This had to be a very delicate touchdown.

    —Ghenghis Read Ghenghis's other letters

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