Pilot Sully the Good Shepherd

The Governor of NY called it “A miracle on the Hudson”; the mayor called him a “hero” and has offered Pilot Chesley “Sully” B. Sullenberger III the keys to the City of New York. On January 15, 2009 a commercial airliner plane flight # 1549 was heading for Charlotte, NC when it is believed a flock of geese may have struck the two engines of the commercial airliner forcing and emergency landing. Pilot Sullenberger was now faced with the dilemma of how to land his jet safely and protect of lives of his passengers and crewmembers. While air traffic controllers provided several options to either return to the airport or land at Teterboro airport in New Jersey, Sullenberger knew his only option was to land the plane in the Hudson River.

Was it a miracle or was it his faith that allowed him to remain calm with his crewmembers and passengers when he indicated just before impact to “brace for impact because we’re going down”. Pilot Sully, a career pilot with the love and passion of flying had been an employee of US Airways for 29 years and even started his own consulting business for the safety of others.

Is not the real underlying story here, Pilot Sully stands here before us in faith and principal, who took personal responsibility to protect and serve the needs of others before thinking of himself? Pilot Scully actions were that of the “Good Shepherd” as he remained focus on the safety of others during this frightening and unimaginable experience to land his aircraft as quickly and safely as possible. Making sure to the best of his ability that every passengers and crewmember were removed from the plane before disembarking the aircraft himself.

While not knowing his religious background, God had to have provided his “belief in faith” to be able to bring all those who were on that flight home safely and to be reunited with their loved ones. Our reflection on this story is to not only see the “miracle” that has happened here, but the works of God and how by having faith within ourselves and believing in Him, all good deeds are possible. God Bless you always Pilot Sully, for you shall have your reward in Heaven.


Deac#6