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Babbitt’s Departure Sparks ‘Draft Sully’ Movement

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Dear Mr. President, We, the undersigned, wish to see a revitalized and strengthened Federal Aviation Administration. In the wake of the Colgan Air Flight 3407 crash, delayed pilot fatigue rulemakings, the furlough of 4,000+ FAA safety inspectors and other employees in Summer 2011, and the continued stalemate in Congress over long-term funding, the FAA has been through a lot. The FAA needs a steady hand who can guide it through uncertain times. We can think of no better person than Captain… (www.flyingmag.com) 更多...

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papa91
papa91 0
He has my "vote"
BenKFIT
Ben Lillie 0
Me too.
Pileits
Pileits 0
Yes INDEED I would vote for Sully if I could vote for the FAA Administrator. But unfortunately the Washington bureaucrats have that one already tied up.
THRUSTT
THRUSTT 0
2343
ray jones 0
I wonder how many times Mr. Babbitt was on the flight deck after a night of drinking, also wonder if his certificate will be revoked.My vote would be for Capt Sully all the way, but like someone said the appointment will be made in Washington by some one that is looking for votes in this up coming election.
destinchampion
Would Captain Sullenberger lower his standards in order to take a government position?
btweston
btweston 0
Guarantee it pays more than flying
jkudlick
Jeremy Kudlick 0
That may be true, but it certainly doesn't pay as well as speaking engagements. If Sully played his cards right, he could pull in seven-figures for giving only one or two speeches per month.
CaptStephanC
CaptStephanC 0
Might as well open myself up for some more hits, but in this case I certainly hope not......Will try to not "rant"......Sully would be an excellent choice as FAA Administrator.....We flew together for several years on the MD-80, not exactly sure just how many "bid periods".......It was always obvious, every flight and work period, not only how well qualified, and dedicated he was in his profession, but also in every day awareness.........Always looked forward to his being there as F/O.....Proud to have known him......When I heard about the events that day out of LGA, the results were no surprise.

Sorry to digress......Thinking as to Charles Champion's comment, perhaps Sully could raise the standards of any government position, not just as FAA Administrator. Here is a candidate (as he actually should be) that would be able to work both "sides" of aviation issues, and be objective, and perhaps advance the profession to the common good of all.............
Pigweed298
Roy Kizzia 0
I just signed the petition.
btweston
btweston 0
While everything I've read about Sully indicates that he is a highly competent pilot and a hell of a guy, why does birds smashing into his aircraft necessarily qualify him for the position of FAA administrator?
CaptStephanC
CaptStephanC 0
That is the point I had hoped to convey, Brady.....Not only is / was Sully an excellent professional aviator (I believe he has retired), but he always expressed well thought out positions in this field, and in other area of discussion. If you will, a notch above a lot of common B/S banter that takes place so often......And although we lost touch over the years, I still felt this to be evident, when after the LGA / Hudson accident, he was often interviewed by the media, and how well he handled himself........As I recall, I believe he spoke before the Aviation Sub-Committee, and other aviation groups, where he gave valuable information on the current pilot profession, and where it is headed, considering the last years of economic and regulatory concerns......If I have misspoken here, I do not mean to do so.

From what I knew of him, and what I have seen of him recently, I know he would certainly be an asset to a government position (read not just FAA Administrator), and that he would certainly raise the standard of competency, and moral character, that I feel a lot of the populace would like to see happen in our current government (read Congress)......................
nelj46
Jack Nelson 0
Its not the bird smashing that qualifies him, or even the emergency landing following it, but his familiarity with the airline system, experience as a pilot, and efforts in improving aviation safety that qualify him.
nelj46
Jack Nelson 0
Squawk this, sign the petition, tell every pilot you know about it, and maybe every non-pilot you know too. We need someone as dedicated to aviation and safety as Sully running the show
WALLACE24
WALLACE24 0
Not sure of capt. Sully's age, but with his wonderful reputation and character, not sure why he would want to take a roll in the crap in D.C. at this point in life. If he did he should be elevated to saint status instead of hero status.
alistairm
alistairm 0
I am sure that he is flattered that people think he should get the job. Though, i am also sure he would say, "no thanks!". Not only that, but if people seem to think that he should get the job for being a "professional" pilot, then there are 100's of other candidates out there who posses the same professionalism. For example, how about Captain Robert Piche.... Air Transat flight 236? Does that ring any bells? His aircraft was 65 miles from Lajes Air Base in the Azores when both engines on his 330 flamed out. From about 30,000 feet, he glided into a landing and saved a total of 306 lives. I little more heroic than what Sully did. So lets start a "Draft Piche" movement!... well, maybe not since he is a French Canadian.
gpkutsop
Gerald Kutsop 0
We need a realistic, hands on, non-political person at the helm who will also look into the special issuance medical certifications with their unreal red tape and snale pace responses to submissions. Their favorite answer is NO, and it takes weeks for them to review responses. And when they screw up, make an error of omission, its an oops ... and not even a "sorry about that". In private business they would be fired! Go Sully or someone on the ball, and who cares.
travelczar
travelczar 0
I'm in!!!!!!
MANBOI
MANBOI 0
If you look at Sully's career and accomplishments as a world renowned aviation safety expert, accident investigator and management consultant you can see that he's more then just a retired Air Force and airline pilot or a current GA pilot. His hero status ads a lot of clout and notoriety but I'd say he's pretty well qualified for the post and could bring a lot of knowledge of all facets of American aviation. He can leave the day to day stuff to an assistant while focusing on making the big changes inside the FAA while persuading Congress to get off their duffs.
stol701
stol701 0
What is this, dancing with the stars? It's no wonder America is in looser denial.
CaptStephanC
CaptStephanC 0
What? You have to help me here, Jim?........
zennermd
zennermd 0
I have no idea what that statement means. The FAA has two responsibilities, promoting aviation and promoting safety. With his resume, he would be great at both. It was his training and aptitude for safety that made him a star, not the other way around. He's not some movie star that decided to go into politics, he is a career aviationist that would continue to work in aviation.
ibock
Ian Bock 0
Actually, the FAA is responsible for safety and efficiency. Sadly, promoting aviation went by the wayside some time ago.
zennermd
zennermd 0
Just signed!!
jimb2
Jim fisher 0
Maybe you should check with Sully to see if he is interested.
Would I vote for Sully yes I would.......
ironfly
ironfly 0
Sorry Alistair, while I'm impressed with what Capt. Pishe did, he had a lot more altitude and time and ultimately made a wheels up landing at an airport, from my point of view not as challenging as Capt. Sully and crew's situation.
THRUSTT
THRUSTT 0
None could ever come close to Bryant Beebe flying Kalitta's 747 out of Bogota at night losing all four engines. THAT MAN WENT UNNOTICED!!!
alistairm
alistairm 0
Here is a 2 page article about the event Thrustt.
http://www.flyingmag.com/pilots-places/pilots-adventures-more/jumpseat-sully-skiles?page=0,0
THRUSTT
THRUSTT 0
Grassy ass
alistairm
alistairm 0
Yes, but he did not do it in the middle of the largest media market in the world!! In my opinion, it is the media that has made flight 1549's story so blown out of proportion. The actual event that transpired was not really anything that was above and beyond the capabilities of any other flight crew that is out there. But thanks to the media, Sully is a "hero" and it was a "miracle". If that is what you want to believe, okay:)
ibock
Ian Bock 0
What happened on 1549 was amazing. I bet half the flight crews out there would not have been able to pull this off. Like having the SA to get the plane back to normal law, among other things, made this an extraordinary event. If he, and the rest of the flight crew are not hero's, what makes one?
alistairm
alistairm 0
Yeah, you're right. Anyone in America that makes news for doing a good deed is a hero these days. I would not go as far as to say that half of the flight crews out there would not be able to take the same action, that is an insult to a lot of flight crews. Quite a few aviation experts have plainly stated that what transpired did take skill and fast thinking, but it was not a "miracle" or "extraordinary". Again, the media hyped it up best they could and slapped labels on the story and everyone ate it up. Therefore, the media did their job. Lastly, Sully would never take the job.
ironfly
ironfly 0
It is possible that it was an extraordinarily media hyped miracle, with labels and all, that everyone ate up, including me, not to mention ATC and everyone aboard 1549. The media did their job, but this wasn't a performance. I think Sully would take the FAA job. His experience and professionalism would be a great asset to the industry.

Thanks for sharing the great story of Capt. Beebe. Incredible action under pressure, great SA.
ibock
Ian Bock 0
Saying half couldn't do it is not an insult to the flight crews that couldn't do it, it is a testament to the other half that could do it. Most people cannot think clearly, or rationally, with a gun to their head. Sully and Skiles did. Why minimize that? Again, I will ask you, where is the threshold of "extraordinary"? If it would have been IMC, with the same result, would that have been? What if a goose had gone through the windshield and killed Skiles, would that have been enough to make it "extraordinary"?

alistairm
alistairm 0
Bottom line is, Sully is the same guy today, as he was before the Hudson River accident. He is not a better person or pilot now, anymore then he was before. Therefore, the question is, would you be voting for him if the Hudson River accident did not happen? Of course you wouldn't be. You would most likely not know him from a hole in the wall. Most people here only know him because of his media exposure. Because of that media exposure, everyone has delved into his career, he's written a book, people have read it, etc. Don't you think that there are 100's of other pilots out there that posses the same skill, hours, professionalism... as Sully does? If not more so? But of course you don't know about them, because they have not had the media spotlight put on them! Give me a break guys! Sully is a great guy. He may posses the qualifications, but so do many, many more people. Let's all wake up and smell the jet fuel!
ibock
Ian Bock 0
And, he is not the same person he was, before that day. In aviation, as any other job, events like that change you. Even minor incidents have had a lasting effect on the way I operate an airplane.
ironfly
ironfly 0
If we get to know about the many others, I believe it will great and probably be through the media. Why then mention them negatively? Blame the guy with the spotlight. I am not a great big media lover, but this is the age of instant media. It'll only get more prolific and it happened in NY. When it gets to be too much which it can, just retreat to a BS shelter. In this instance I think the media served us well.
CaptStephanC
CaptStephanC 0
You, Alistair, are completely wrong! What is your problem? Yes, part of it is having done well...and all of us in the profession could only hope that we could have done as well! He, and the crew did their job well, be it their training, or pure luck, whatever Why do you want to take this away from him with your strange criticism? What is the negative here? And "yes", others have done well in given situations, also But I think the point I would like to make is that with his exposure to the media, how he handled himself, and with his experience in varying fields related to aviation, does make him a fine candidate for the position. Certainly more qualified for the position than some others that have held the position! I wish I could be better with words. I knew Sully for a few years (certainly no big deal to anyone but me), but if he would even consider the position, I know he would dedicate himself, and again do well. So, "NO", it is not because of the Hudson, but rather, that accident did re-acquaint me with his potential capabilities at Pacific Southwest, and the then even further qualifications garnered at USAirways. And then with this Babbitt issue, the "Draft Sully" was started by someone. I got on board because I think he would be a very capable individual as FAA Administrator; just as Robert L Zumwalt is at the NTSB (who also garnered vast experience through Piedmont, and USAirways). No, the individual airlines is not the point, but rather, the information that they each have from their experience in these positions, and their desires to make important contributions. Perhaps Sully might just have this opportunity to be considered.
ironfly
ironfly 0
I'm on the same page with you CaptStephanC, who actually knew Sully in the workplace. I feel as if I know Sully, once removed. A pilot who mastered the acute accumulated skills of military and commercial flying like Sully, in my opinion, is ideally suited to be considered worthy of a position of influence like FAA Administrator.
CaptStephanC
CaptStephanC 0
Darn, you write good............thank you for your somewhat better words.............
ironfly
ironfly 0
Thank you very much CaptS. I humbly accept your approval.
alistairm
alistairm 0
Your opinion is just as relevant as mine Stephan. As you must know, opinions are like a_sholes, everyone has one! Whether they are right or wrong is a matter of... opinion, once again. But more to the point, it is a matter for debate. Your opinion is that i am wrong, very well. That is YOUR opinion, not a fact and i respect your opinion. Now, i have already stressed my opinion and it is just that, my own personal opinion. I can't dictate that it is to be fact and true. Why is it that i should be asked if i have a problem? Just because i stress my own opinion, which is what this forum is for. You can believe what you want to, that is your choice. It does NOT mean that you are right though. Same goes for me.
CaptStephanC
CaptStephanC 0
What you are wrong about, is saying that the "Hudson" is the only reason people are interested in him for this position. If that had never occurred, and I had seen his name come up for that position, and if I were to have vote, which I do not, nor does anyone else for that matter, I certainly would have given him my support, simply because I knew him to be a fine, decent, and well qualified individual. For whatever reason that his name had come to the forefront, with what people have now learned about him, they would still be giving him the same support!
alistairm
alistairm 0
No Stephan, what i was pointing out was, is the fact that the majority of people - not talking about you since you seem to know him somewhat - would not know Sully from a hole in the wall if it were not for the Hudson accident. Do you really believe that Flyingmag would write such an article if Sully had not been in the media spotlight? Of course they would not have. Not once did i say that he was not qualified for the job, i am sure he is. Though, i don't think he would actually take the job. He is a fine pilot and fine person, but that does not mean that he would be a fine administrator of a huge organization. If he for one minute thought about taking the job, i would tell him go ahead! Because you seem to take this to heart, you may have missed my mainpoint: Many people not knowing much about Sully, will just jump on the bandwagon and sign the petition. It has nothing to do with Sully. It has everything to do with how people, the general public, react to someone when that person is thrown into the media spotlight.
CaptStephanC
CaptStephanC 0
At least most people would be giving him the same support, except you, of course, Alistair...............
ibock
Ian Bock 0
Okay, great. Then why not let him leverage that status in that position? Why take another guy, with the same experience, that nobody knows, for the position? LIke it or not, between him and another no-name guy, he is gonna have the juice when meeting members of congress to get things done. Reputation goes a long way back east.

Of course, this is all moot. He probably doesn't want the job anyway.
alistairm
alistairm 0
Mmmmm, yeah, he could leverage that status in the position. But perhaps some people would not take him to seriously, since they may think he got the job just because of his "celebrity" status. What i meant by saying he is the same person, is that he has not changed into a superhuman and he also has not let the attention get to his head.
ibock
Ian Bock 0
I hear you.
ironfly
ironfly 0
OK, for Capt. Sully to pull this off in one of the largest media markets in the world shows that he has exceptional marketing skills too. The fact that it was also in one of the busiest airspaces in the US, low altitude/speed, heavy, required quick/profound decisions, unrehearsed landing on water and no one died (except the poor ducks) impressed me greatly even if overkill. I should say, to be on subject though, that I believe and would recommend Capt. Sully to be FAA administrator. Based on what I've read about him (mostly in his book) I don't think he's so ordinary. I believe that there are other great pilots and otherwise qualified people who could be FAA head, I just want to put in my 2c to say that I believe that Sully is a credible choice.
CaptStephanC
CaptStephanC 0
Terrence Nugent, well said, and thank you......As I said a few days ago, just by my personal knowledge of him for a few short years, after becoming aware of the "draft Sully" movement, I too felt that he would be a credible choice.......Certainly should read his book...........
ironfly
ironfly 0
my mistake, "a wheels down landing"

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