Heroic Landing: Two True Stories from Airline Pilots
Have you ever witnessed a flight where the passengers applaud the pilot during landing? I have experienced such moments firsthand, and in this article, I would like to share two memorable stories of heroic landings from my tenure as an airline pilot.
1. A Thrilling Landing in Athens, Greece
It was 1977, and I was a young pilot on a flight from London, England, to Athens, Greece. The flight was part of a tour group from RAF Bentwaters, and our plane included several American fighter pilots and their wives. As we approached Athens airport, the runway had a strong crosswind of 50 mph. Surprisingly, the pilot managed to land the plane with a 3-point landing technique. The fighter pilots among us were especially impressed by the pilot's skill and appreciated the landing so much that they spontaneously broke into applause. I later briefed the flight attendants, ensuring they were aware of the exceptional landing.
2. A Missed Approach in Santa Clara, Cuba
Recently, I was back in the cockpit, this time flying from Miami to Santa Clara, Cuba. Due to stringent weight restrictions, I had to tank all the fuel I could carry to ensure a safe and fuel-efficient landing. When we approached Havana, the tower reported visibility of only 100 meters in thick fog just before sunrise. The airport, MUSC, sits in a small valley, and the approaches require a visibility of at least 1,000 meters. In response, I initiated a hold pattern on the initial approach fix and began calculating my fuel, determining the 'bingo' fuel amount and time. I called operations and informed them of my intention to hold for approximately one hour.
Operations suggested going to Havana for fuel, but ATC denied this option and insisted I proceed to my filed alternate of Santa Domingo, which was 270 miles away. I was left with the choice of returning to Miami, 245 miles away. Holding in the fog was challenging; the flight attendants informed the passengers in Spanish about our situation. As the hours passed, the tower updated us on visibility, and the last announcements to the passengers were made 20 minutes before bingo fuel. After holding for precisely one hour, ATC informed us that the visibility had improved to 1,300 meters. We were granted permission to land using the GPS approach.
The passengers on board were elated, and the roar of applause from the cabin was unlike anything I had experienced before. My leading flight attendant, making a joke, said, "Alright, now you all speak English."
Conclusion
These stories highlight the incredible challenges faced by airline pilots and the importance of their skills in ensuring safe landings. Both experiences have reinforced my admiration for the pilots and the teamwork involved in every flight. As airline pilots, we face a diverse range of conditions, and it is these rare moments of passion and applause that make our profession rewarding.
These stories are not just about landings; they are about teamwork, skill, and the dedication of the entire aviation industry. If you have ever flown, perhaps you have witnessed these rare instances of appreciation from passengers. Next time you do, take a moment to reflect on the skill and bravery of the pilots who bring you safely to your destination.