US Airways A320 Down in NYC Hudson River

[PhilDernerJr]

I can only speak for the 757 and 767, which do in fact have a ditch switch.

Who operates 757s and 767s with a "Ditch Switch?"

Go ask MCC. Unless JG, JC, and others are wrong. Maybe it has a diff name?

[LGA777]

Another short hello from US LGA, and a few coments.

Sergio got a shot of Ship 106 on Tuesday, ironically 106 operated US 938/1549 on the 12th, 13th, and the 15th.

Most of you know of all the deserved recognition the Captain is getting, here is a significant one,

Dear Fellow USAPA Pilots,

This afternoon at approximately 12:15, Captain Sullenberger received a phone call from President Bush congratulating him on his efforts during yesterday's accident and rescue. The president said he was in awe of Capt. Sullenberger's flying skills.

Capt. Sullenberger thanked President Bush, but added that it was a team effort and required the assistance of his First Officer Jeff, and flight attendants Donna, Doreen and Sheila. He stated that, as professional airline pilots, we face risks and challenges every day, and we're really just doing our jobs. On this particular occasion, he said, we are particularly gratified by the outcome.

For those interested I understand Dateline NBC is doing there entire show on US 1549 tonight, Friday at 2200 on NBC.

Flight 1549's Flight number has been retired, starting today it is now US 1543, and in the Feburary schedule change it returns to it's normal A-321 aircraft type, which it is most of the year due to demand.

There have been many coments on this site and elsewhere about the Passengers behavior, especially compared to the recent Walmart tragedy, and I have a partial theory. Most Thursday afternoons US's last 3 LGA-CLT Mainline flights starting with 1549 are primarily buisness travelers, it is comon to have 30-40 passengers on the upgrade to First standby lists and at least typcially 75 pct of the aircraft being passengers in the Top 3 levels of US's frequent flyer program, Chairmans, Platinum and Gold. While even if I had info about this for 1549 which I do not I would not post it here but I do suspect there where are large number of very FF's on this flight. I understand Bank of America alone had 23 employees onboard according to the media.

Many of you have seen the flight path on Passur. I live in the Bedford Park area of the Bronx and most Runway 4 departures pass right over us, it appears 1549 did indeed pass right overhead my neighborhood and it had already started down by then, with my 2 year old daughter and wife down there it gives me my own personal thanks to the Captain for his Glider skills.

And lastly EMSHighway sorry I missed you last night, I was briefly in Loretta's office around 1230, lot's of people so I guessed I did not see you.

Thanks to all for the positve feedback.

LGA777

[NYCMedic]

I just sat with Haroon and Vinny and we went over the Manuals and Panel posters and couldn't find anything. Vinny said the only thing Boeing has is support so that the cargo doors don't implode and the pressurization outflow valve can be manually closed so as not to let water in. A few line guys were just in the office and confirmed it as well. You should know better than to listen to JC.......

[Delta777LR]

I took pictures this morning at Battery Park and NJ of the plane.. After taking shots at Battery Park, I hoped on the PATH train and got off at Exchange Place to shoot from NJ.

Here are 4 shots from Battery Park





And 1 from NJ

[Gerard]

Heads up reporters, on ABC they are giving a 10AM ETA to lift the aircraft out of the water.
Bundle up and good hunting.

[Gerard]

>Flight 1549's Flight number has been retired,<

It has also been retired by the NYS Lottery. SAles of that number for Pick Four were so heavy that the lottery
people have stopped selling it. In fact it is sold out through Tuesday.
Amazing.

[moose135]

Thanks for the heads up on the lift, guess I'm heading back out in the morning!

I was over in Jersey City for a few hours this afternoon and got a few shots:

[Delta777LR]

Moose, what time you was there? I was there about 11AM shooting pictures too

[moose135]

Must have just missed you Sergio. I got there a little after Noon (EXIF on my first shot says 12:24pm) I shot for a little while, grabbed some lunch, then headed back over when there was a little better light on the plane.

[Delta777LR]

Must have just missed you Sergio. I got there a little after Noon (EXIF on my first shot says 12:24pm) I shot for a little while, grabbed some lunch, then headed back over when there was a little better light on the plane.

Yea I left around 11:45AM we did missed each other lol

[moose135]

Not to toot my own horn, but...first photo on JP.net, just added as a Hot Photo:

http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=6463659

[LGA777]

Moose, you can toot your own horn all you want, it's a great shot and caption, you took your time, gas, and energy and braved the COLD to get it, you deserve to toot.

LGA777

[LGA777]

US has released details on the crew in this internal memo to staff, I find it interesting in their mix as far as who they started with.


Announcement Regarding Flight #1549: Update #8
Jan. 16, 2009

US Airways has released the names of the crew on board Flight 1549.


Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger, III, age 58, joined US Airways (PSA Airlines) in 1980. He has a total of 19,663 flight hours.

First officer Jeffrey B. Skiles, age 49, joined US Airways (USAir) in 1986. He has a total of 15,643 flight hours.

Flight Attendant Sheila Dail, age 57, joined US Airways (Piedmont Airlines) in 1980 and has more than 28 years experience with the airline.

Flight Attendant Doreen Welsh, age 58, joined US Airways (Allegheny Airlines) in 1970 and has more than 38 years experience with the airline.

Flight Attendant Donna Dent, age 51, was hired by US Airways (Piedmont Airlines) in 1982 and has more than 26 years with the airline.

In a press conference earlier today, US Airways Chairman and CEO Doug Parker said, “I, like the rest of you, am extremely proud of our crew for their quick and heroic actions. Today they are safe and doing well, and along with so many other members of our team, are assisting with the official investigation. In the meantime, our continued focus and support will be on our passengers, their families and our crew.”

Flight 1549 was involved in an accident en route to Charlotte, N.C. from LaGuardia, N.Y. Airline officials are in direct contact with local, state and national authorities and are cooperating fully with emergency response efforts. US Airways has activated the “US Airways Care” team of specially trained employee volunteers to assist families and passengers.

Individuals who believe they may have family members on board flight 1549 may call US Airways at 1-800-679-8215 within the United States. This number can be reached toll-free from international locations through AT&T’s USADirect®. To contact an AT&T operator, please visit http://www.usa.att.com/traveler for USADirect® access codes


While this was a Senior crew trust me it not unusual at all to see an entire US Crew this senior. This is one of the reasons I always feel so safe flying on US.

Regards

LGA777

[moose135]

That's something, Ron - the 49 year old FO is the "kid" of the crew!

[G-BOAD]

Moose, you can toot your own horn all you want, it's a great shot and caption, you took your time, gas, and energy and braved the COLD to get it, you deserve to toot.

LGA777

Not to mention, he went to Jersey!!

Not knowing the exact location of the aircraft, I arrived a Bowling green at Battery park, and worked my way north. For anyone who wants to visit, its location is in the proximity of Chambers street, on the west side. I also arrived just as the sun was setting.
Here are some photos:

(the area, and you can see the tail)


also got this one:


The photos are nothing to be proud of, but it was still nice to see it.