55.7 F
The Villages
Friday, March 29, 2024

We need more heroes like ‘Sully’

Jack Petro
Jack Petro

When U.S. Airways flight 1549 with 155 people onboard strikes a flock of birds shortly after takeoff disabling both engines, some quick decisions must be made. Chief Pilot Chesley Sullenberger considers returning to La Guardia airport, but at only an altitude of 3,200 feet makes the judgement call that landing in the ice cold Hudson River is the best alternative.  The result is called the “Miracle on The Hudson” since no lives are lost that day, Jan. 12, 2009.

The following FTA inquiry was not to vilify Sully, but to better understand what happened.

Tom Hanks as "Sully."
Tom Hanks as “Sully.”

Tom Hanks captures the essence of the 58-year-old Sullenberger known as “Sully” to his friends.  Besides being commandeering and cool under pressure, Sully’s creed of “leading by example” comes through in full force. One of Sully’s concerns before he appeared at the FTA hearings is to have his uniform cleaned and pressed.

Water landings are particularly disastrous to aircraft.  Videos show Sully kept the plane so under control that neither wing touched the water before the craft stopped.  That was the real miracle.

With Clint Eastwood as director and Hanks as the lead, you do not want to miss this well-crafted, riveting show.  In today’s array of paper-thin personalities we are in deep need of a hero like Sully.

The movie is currently showing at both the Barnstorm Theater and the Old Mill Playhouse in The Villages.

Jack Petro reviews movies for Villages-News.com

The world knew we had a strong leader in Trump

A Village of Fernandina resident looks back on the record of former President Trump. Read his Letter to the Editor.

Neglect of golf course maintenance now costing us millions of dollars

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of St. Charles resident argues that neglect of golf course maintenance is now costing residents millions of dollars.

Karen says her intent has been misinterpreted

A Village of Belle Aire resident who stirred quite a discussion with a previous Letter to the Editor, follows up to say that her intent was misinterpreted.

Our amenities are being used by families with kids

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of Citrus Grove resident says she is not happy about families with kids using amenities paid for by residents.

Finally allocating funds to the golf courses!

A Village of Hadley resident said he is happy that more money is being allocated to the golf courses. Read his Letter to the Editor.