A Pilot's Lesson

By The Tampa Tribune
Published: January 20, 2009

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Last week's "water landing" of the US Airways jet is a tribute to professionalism, experience, skill and teamwork. The pilot-in-command showed that with his calm under fire and his years of training as an Air Force, airline and glider pilot, that he had the requisite background to successfully execute such a difficult maneuver. As Barack Obama rides the train to his position as pilot-in-command of our country, let us hope that he learns from this pilot hero that one's split-second decision can mean the difference between the life and death of many people; that experience, skill and teamwork are important; that there is reward in "just doing one's job"; and in a command position, it is essential to conduct oneself with the character and humility of this US Airways pilot.

VICTORIA A. BRITTAIN

Zephyrhills