King Air N559DW EPILOGUE (The Rest of The Story) Doug White
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- Опубликовано: 13 май 2020
- This King Air N559DW Epilogue follows up the incredible story of the passenger with minimal private pilot flying experience was forced to take control and land a King Air B200 Turboprop due to the sudden death of the pilot shortly after takeoff on Easter Sunday 2009. Here is the RUclips link for PILOT DIES, Passenger Lands King Air • PILOT DIES, Passenger ...
Courtesy of Doug White, the pinch hitter King Air Hero Pilot, we have an inside look at a very special NATCA ceremony one year later where all of the air traffic controllers who assisted the emergency King Air received an Archie League Medal of Safety award. The Archie League award is considered to be the highest honor in the air traffic control profession.
![Oscar Maydon x Junior H - Volver Al Futuro [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/sa52xabMSB8/mqdefault.jpg)
This video is intended to recognize, honor, and pay tribute to each and every individual who assisted King Air N559DW on Easter Sunday 2009. All comments and questions are welcomed and appreciated. Please be respectful and courteous. Kindest regards, Tim
Thank you so very much. It is not often that we get to hear the "rest of the story." Very touching!
Roger that. LOL 😎
Thanks for this. What a group of controllers and others! God I am all weepy now.....
Very inspirational and heartwarming to see an orderly homogeneous civilised culture and systems in action with such resilience. Greetings from the UK and thank you very much for sharing
I’m so happy there is a ‘rest of the story’ . It could have been so different. Thank God that all these dedicated folk were there at the same time.
One veteran pilot died in air, another one was born...
Poetic.
Great post
Intresting and thought provoking comment!
Wow your post sent chills down my spine that was very profound you’re absolutely correct
reborn*
Like a phoenix.
Lisa was fantastic because she gave Doug the opportunity to use his judgement after she explains options. Incredible!
She was so reassuring, and helped to build up his confidence, well done Lisa !!
She is brilliant, kind, and empathetic.
This is one of the most important and amazing acts I have ever seen from a human being. I find it particularly amazing that she was able to give Doug the reassurance and confidence that he could do it while at the same time provide the technical expertise to allow it to happen. She was their Angel that day.
It seems to me, the words of encouragement and reassurance were of critical importance. We need more people like her on this earth. She is obviously, a wonderful person.
@@MC-vh7go He has said since then that "Lisa Grimm is his angel and that they will remain connected until they die."
Similar to being in combat with a buddy who you are close to for life.
The many metaphors of this man
“Landed like a butterfly with sore feet.”
“Just me and the good lord flying this plan”
“We’re having a hoot”
“It ain’t over til it’s over, friend.”
Jus put into perspective this man was under immense stress. && was able to have that personality and calmness. Tried to make light of the situation rather than stressful.
I would love to drink a beer with this man.
He had a way with words at a time most of us would struggle to complete a sentence.
His line about not being in king aire school today, which didn't make in this video shows a little humor can reduce stress
Instead of a beer how about 9 delta whiskeys.
I agree. What a STRESSFUL situation to be in.
I thought I heard his voice crack in landing...he became emotional.
He blew my mind!
The support was amazing!
The weather was cooperative
The good Lord was busy!
I was an ER NURSE in Fort Myers Fl on duty as this flight was coming in. Most people don't know that anytime an aircraft is in trouble the closest hospitals are notified JUST IN CASE.. I can tell you each and every time we would get these alerts, the prayers would begin. It was often difficult to think about anything else except the flight coming in. It didn't matter if it was a commercial aircraft with 200 passengers or like this a private plane with a handful on board. Because each and every time we knew healthy people were in extreme danger and if this went badly, some or all of those passengers may not survive. So while we readied our ER for the possibility of these passengers to arrive, we prayed as we always did. And God answered our prayers. I remember breaking down after we got the word that the plane was on the ground safely with the only victim being the pilot who died of natural causes.
Thank you very much for sharing this and for your prayers !!!
Thank you Ms Tammy for sharing this . in my book you and your prayer partners are right up there with the ones on the stage.
No, Lisa isn't gone. Due to her talents she was offered a supervisor's position and she accepted. She, therefore, is now in management and no longer in the union (NATCA) and is now a front line supervisor at a tower in the DC area.
I take it 57whizzer is something like niner delta whiskey?
@@lulabell79_31 Sounds like a car model with a moniker of how fast it goes...
Very much deserved! A job well done!
Oh Lisa, don't join the enemy
Great to hear this. She was really good at her job
How many souls on board? Five. That really hit home
It did for Doug White, too. He really hesitated to answer.
Yrs, but what a wonderfully precise, respectful question too.
Can you imagine that reality coming into Mr. White's mind when they asked him that? He had to stop thinking about the predicament for a second, and realize that there are others on this flight: his family AND a person who he hardly knew, but had as much of an impact on him as his family, who passed away on his watch.
Just incredible!
Can an ATC weigh in here: was asking that question something for emergency services, a personal question? Was it to help identify victims in the event of a crash?
I don't want to judge or armchair this, but couldn't that question have seriously rattled a weaker mind than Doug's? Or was it to make sure he didn't get too cocky in the adrenaline surge + dopamine rush of being that locked in? I wish I knew what was going through his head when he asked that. Not a criticism btw. Maybe he wouldn't have asked that to a more panicked, completely untrained individual.
@@Chironex_Fleckeri It's important to know how many are onboard, so that, should the worst happen, first responders will know when everyone is accounted for.
Doug White made one of the most Chad moves in aviation history. Lisa Grim was so calm and helpful, what a guardian angel she is.
Yes!!! She did not exasperate the dilemma!!! She made me feel calm when talking through every step with Doug White (Australia)
@@marilynbridgland3428 amen to that. I totally agree! Especially with how young Lisa was at the time! So professional (Australia too, but now in the US ;) )
Wish you well XOXO
Doug implemented his basic knowledge of how to fly, but Lisa recognized his skill level and was the linchpin in really making this a success story.
"It takes bureaucrats one hour and a half to watch 60 minutes."
Legend.
Laughed my butt off when he said that! 😂 Brilliant!
a lot of funny bits in the speech but yes, THAT was extra funny!!
@@davecrupel2817 aint it the truth. i once told one of my store managers i was in charge of 6 of them that he could go around and look busy while doing nothing better than anybody i knew. i didnt like lazy managers and i kind of let him know he wasnt fooling anybody and that i expected more. he turned around and then we got along.
Quote from the Tremors 3: Back to Perfection movie: Burt [to bureaucrats]: "You guys just do what you do best. Find something simple and complicate it!"
40 years ago I had my own Lisa Grim I don’t know her name. She was a traffic controller at the Pomona airport and guided me as I was lost flying VFR from PNE to Cape May.
Mazel Tov
didn't realize that flying from Philly to Cape May was so hard to do. WOW! I guess you never know what weather or other conditions come up and you have to rely on your VFR--and even then it wasn't reliable in your case. (hello from a former Jersey Shore couple; moved out ten years ago).
Thank G-d he was watching over you.
@@noturningbackever493 So I'm taking off eastward (runway 6?) from PNE and I'm suppose to turn right and go straight south to Cape May. As I'm climbing, a Delta Jet is flying toward PHL for a landing and is going down but was too low. If I continue straight I'm too close, and as he flying from my left to right I turn left and that's where I lost it. So from going north I turn right but not enough and found myself at 1500 feet over a road in the middle of a forest. Suddenly the forest opens up and I'm in front of an airport and a TWA 747 is taking off straight towards me. That's when I squawk 7700 and call May Day on 121.5. My Lisa answers me, tells me where I am, that she has me on her screen, changes my frequency and my squawk, turns me south and hands me to another controller that guides me to the numbers at Cape May.
@@danabramovitz8743 thank you for sharing
@@danabramovitz8743 WOW!! Incredible! Imagine that if you didn't have a person to guide you, especially since you were flying VFR--which wasn't helping you, well...you wouldn't be here right now.
Thanks be to G-d for His hand of help for you. :-)
I wish the media focused more on this type of news
I wasn't even aware of this until today 06/13/2020. I wonder what God has in store for Doug or his children? Nice to see "happy endings" are still possible.
@@WG-tt6hk me too. It's currently July of 2020 and I just stumbled upon this. Doug is truly inspiring.
@D Mark Get a grip on reality buddy, this amazing story has nothing to do with your current situation, life is not all about amazing and inspiring stories, it's also about injustice and begrudging things.
You can appreciate and understand the value of this story, while staying alert to what's wrong in your society, don't be the fool that closes his eyes in the face of hardships and much needed change, like he said "it's all about individual initative to get it done" stay curious and open minded, or you'll never find a way out of your cave.
Me too! Maybe the world would be in a better place . If we would see more positivity, more people showing genuine love and care for others,perhaps we display same behavior,but...we see soooooo much hatred,terrible crimes,disrespect of others... then more and more of that unacceptable behavior!
@ ain't that the truth! All they do is focus on NEGATIVE ! If you look for the bad stuff,that is what you fibd,if you look for something g00d you will find it. The virus of the left is worse than covid 19!
For Doug to get back on the horse as he said and learn how to fly the King Air and to go forth with his humanitarian efforts. Says so much about him. God Bless 🙏🇺🇸
WHY DID I JUST REALIZE niner delta whiskey is Doug Whites initials?? This was a miracle and he was the man for it
Wow....thank you....I didn't realize that until you said it. You are so right - this was a miracle meant to happen. God is good!!!
Yup. I was wondering a few months ago why no one saw that; I thought I was the only one.
Check my comment below.
Doug White actually owned the plane. He leased it back to a charter company.
What the heck? Months of comments and replies vanished.
As a retired ATC I am honored to have worked with my fellow coworkers. This is really an amazing story!!!
You worked in an honorable profession, sir.
Thank you for all you've done to help keep the airways safe and flowing, sir.
Randy Colvin. Well, if you're retired now, you survived a time where your profession was highly, but unfairly, criticised and scrutinized. I remember the strike for better pay and working conditions during the Reagan administration; where he told ATCs they couldn't strike because it was a public office and fired the striking ATCs. I still don't know how I feel about his move. Your profession is a tough one, but I'm glad you managed to make it to retirement and not get beat by the stress.
Thank you for your service.
The best word - You find me the longest widest runway you can, ma'am !!
KARI SORENSEN ! ! I was upset up until 37 minutes in in the video. No one mentioned or brought him up on stage basicly. He was the one who they all asked for information and what to do, and then gave that information to Doug. Without him answering the phone that day, this might have had another outcome. He was the one with the knowledge about the plane.
AND he even had to pay with his own money to get there for the award ceremony. And they didnt include him. Dough had to be the one doing it. I mean even if he wasnt a member of the air traffic controllers....he was the 1 that made the knew what to do to help Doug land the plane.
He was talked about around the 20 minute mark as well.
Lisa Grimm i believe, calmed his nerves. Excellent pilot, instructor, and person.
Just remarkable, strong Heroes among us❣
And the bit of humor didn't hurt through this terrifying ordeal.
God Bless y'all
Indeed. Lisa saying things like "you're going to do just fine", and "you're doing a good job" were important contributions to the successful outcome. Also, keeping a sense of humor will get you through just about anything. Thanks for sharing and best regards, Tim
Lisa's calm, humor and intelligence stopped the ascent which in turn gave Doug some relief. I admire her easy way and professionalism.
Just me and the good lord flying this thing
Oh, she is beyond measure! Proverbs 31:10 :) And her nice female calming voice, so reassuring, confident helped immensely. I had a friend like her helping me out when one day I stayed to long in Polish/Slovak Tatra mountains. I loved how she lied to me (in October) that 'bears are already hibernated':) Thanks God! she wasn't like 'unknown aircraft transmitting: "he's not going to make it". This man should have attended this ceremony, to apologize to everyone. This was the wrong thing to say.
The speech by Doug was amazing! He really is an amazing guy!
Kari Sorensen- You could have ignored that phone call, or just been away or busy. God bless you for taking that call. May we all learn from this.
None of the people in that profession have that type of mindset. There's a lot of professions that I like that. But there's too many that aren't. I'm still waiting for that time machine to be developed
This is an extremely emotionally charged video. So beautiful. I am a 48 year old man and I cried like a little ol baby. Just absolutely wonderful!!
I held my breath ... Felt like a passenger for a while. Very emotional!
Me too when they landed. And thanked God.
Me to.
I'm right there with you but I'm a 54.5 year old woman who's already weepy but you're a guy. You guys hold it in better but you're still allowed to cry
That's why we all have tear ducts.
Same here...
Doug White's talk brought me to tears.
And many more!
“They didn’t form a committee on what to do, they just got it done.” 🥺😭❤️👏🏻
Truth!
If I spent the rest of my life watching You Tube, I don't think I'd ever find a more touching or powerful video. You folks rock!
Thank you kindly!!! Cheers from Tim
I think your right!
@@donnastark906 I KNOW they are right.
This had me on the edge of my seat like the best thriller movie except it was way better because it was real life. The range of emotions were wide and afterward I was spent. Felt like I had been on that white knuckle flight myself. One cannot help but look at all the circumstances that came together on that Easter Sunday and not believe that it was divine intervention, indeed. It could have turned out very differently.
I totally Agree.
The best word - You find me the longest widest runway you can, ma'am !!
And - “Me and the good Lord are hand flying this thing!”
Very metaphorical.
When Doug responded to Lisa with "Oh, we're havin' a hoot, niner delta whiskey," I had a feeling he was going to do ok. Glad that feeling played out!
"Where are you Miami, let's go!"
@@kevintucker3354 Doug's response summarizes the whole incident! This is what we call ''a man in control of his life!"
I am so proud of Doug White❣
I cry every time I watch and listen to his bravery, determination to save his girls and wife. He is a string, funny, true Hero.
Very Special
5 siuls
Did anybody else cry and have heart wrenching gratitude and a fresh new appreciation for air traffic controllers ❣️🙏🏽❣️❣️❣️
He did! After he landed and on this night a year later.
He probably still does from time to time when he sees a child's marriage or the birth of a grand baby that may have never happened.
Iam 71 this guy is my hero and everyone involved was just awesome thank you we need more hero’s we can look up to thank you doug
I cried, i laughed, my hands shook and my nails got shorter while watching the original video! What a beautiful story!
Thank you for sharing Caz! Cheers, Tim
same lol
@Paper St. Soap Co. You just cracked me up!!!!
SO TRUE!! I CAN RELATE!!!!
marcus Vane p
This happened 11 years ago and I only just got to watch the video of the re-enactment today ....Doug White and the ATCs were brilliantly calm under huge duress. 🛬🛬
It was how Doug referred to ATC Lisa as “ma’am” and Brian called Doug “sir”. Those two were do understated and humble.
It added to the emotion of it all.
But when he replied, “we’re having a hoot”, you got the true colours of this man. He’s not one to give up easily!!
As a good old boy from Louisiana, of course Doug addresses ladies as ma'am and gentlemen as sir. :D
Jürgen Erhard pll
Brilliant observation!
I watched this (original audio) when it was first released and still am moved by it.
As a 30yr airline and military pilot I couldn't be more proud of everyone involved. Doug, you're absolutely amazing.
God was not absent from this save.
The professionalism and wonderfully natural talent of Lisa Grimm's technical ability and presentation skills, throughout the awards ceremony was a joy to behold. Her warmth and humour are just part of her many attributes. This is a classic example of how truly great people always appear modest and humble in their greatness! Wonderful....
true that
2020 has been a hard one. Faith in humanity restored. So grateful for this.
This happened in 2009
Faith in God was the correct answer for those of us who know the difference. Jesus Christ is the source for all good, not fallen mankind who ignore and/ or reject Him.
I’am a retired Air Force flight engineer with 4000 hours. I don’t think i could have done that. Absolutly incredable.
And the owner of that plane was quite happy he got it down in one piece.
@@gaylespencer6188 The President of the company that had the King Air insured sent Doug a nice letter congratulating him on a job well done, etc. but probably real happy he didn't have to write a 7 figure check.:))
What 🤔😂
@@57whizzer I read elsewhere in these comments that Doug owned the King Air and leased it to the company who was flying it. That's why he now flies it all the time. Others have said the Delta Whiskey in the plane's ID stands for Doug's name.
@@pixandmore437 Yep. Even though he was not an active pilot, he said he bought the aircraft as an investment to lease it out as a charter aircraft. He had only been on the plane once before and he said all he asked the pilot was , "How do you talk on the radio?" After the incident, he said he decided to get back on the horse that threw him and learn to fly it.
this was the most heart pounding story! what a team that brought Doug, his wife and daughters safely on the ground! God was Doug’s pilot!
Doug said as much when the controller asked him if he was 'Using the auto pilot."
Bullshit. Doug landed the plane.
Such a great man spared from a horrible accident. Doug White is a true American and a class act.
That lady on the left who was the first assistant to help Doug is as important as the Connecticut pilot. She had as much knowledge and did as a terrific job as him. Hats off to all of you and to Doug who kept his composure throughout. Not many could have done what he did!
That first lady controller did an excellent job to keep the low time pilot calm. Surely it was stressful for her, but she remained calm and reassuring. Great that she had flight instructor experience. Couldn't have asked for a better candidate to handle the initial response. Hats off to all of ATC.
@@birdwing98 Who was the other lady, standing next to her?
@@22ergie She was busy directing other traffic on the frequency to use other frequencies so N599DW would have a clear channel to talk to the ATC's.
@@22ergie The lady on the left is Jessica Anaya. She is also an outstanding air traffic controller who during this event I believe handled the communication between numerous controllers affected as a result of this emergency.
Again, he had The Right Stuff!
36:00 White says "It's individual initiative that gets it done". Lest we forget 9/11 when the Air Traffic Controllers across America figured out a way, in real time as the clock was ticking, how to land every single airplane over America and clear the entire skies. Something that has never been done since the invention of the airplane. They were experienced people who used their knowledge and ability to make that happen, with no instructions, no rules and no time to think about it, but just get it done. Doug White was a guy who saved his family and others by using his experience and abilities to work with others to get a very dangerous job done.
Absolutely, the unsung heroes of that terrible day.
San J never said we did and I honestly can’t argue with you. I agree, though I am sure people will disagree.
San J
Trump 2020.
Whilst it had never been done unplanned US airspace was cleared a couple of times in the 1960s (Testing Norad's responses).
jennifer86010 well said, bought a tear to my eyes and was a humbling reminder of the unsung heroes all around us. These particular heroes tho ~ stunning expertise and extreme grace under pressure. Thanks jen x
Doug White - Delta Whiskey. He was able to be beside his dear friend who died doing what he loved. What an honor. ✨
The movie, "On a Wing and a Prayer" by MGM, starring Dennis Quaid, is to be released in theaters on Easter, 2023.
I watched the simulator animation of this flight by FS MaNiA. The moments leading up to touching down on the runway... I knew he had landed it safely, I knew they hadn't crashed, I KNEW they got down alright... and it STILL had me on the edge of my seat!
Doug is a true gentleman. During those hellish moments in the air he kept his cool and did not use any profanity whatsoever.
Wow you know i was so impressed by his staying calm I hadn't noticed he didnt cuss even one time. What a gentleman. I can't agree more.
Expected him to look like a cowboy.
@@icannotpretend5834 The word Christian would probably be more accurate, I'm thinkin'.
@@sandraargo8382 Well, you put a cowboy in a suit and that's what you get. Love the 'stache, too! You d' man!
I'd have been having a little chat with God, my co-pilot
OK, this has to stop now, I'm all cried out!
The original recording had me grinning and crying simultaneously throughout.
He is probably the only man in the world who can say to his wife, Honey I'm in love with another woman. And she would reply, I know darling, I'm in love with her too!
Awesome comment!
Awesome!!
More tissues!
More truth to that than you'll ever know.
Captain Kirk. Hold my phaser.
Doug White.....THAT'S a hero. He stepped up, when others would have floundered and flopped. WITH MINIMAL FLIGHT EXPERIENCE.
He landed that King Air "like a butterfly with sore feet".
His words....
Un-FREAKEN-believable.
MY words.
His words and yours....all true.
I have flown thousands of miles all over the world and I have always been thankful for our Air Traffic Controllers. It made me happy to see these traffic controllers receive the awards they deserved.
Agreed! They are a top notch group of people who do amazing work unnoticed every single day.
The movie, "On a Wing and a Prayer" by MGM, starring Dennis Quaid, is to be released in theaters on Easter, 2023.
8 years ago when I was a student pilot myself working towards my PPL in Australia, I was flying VFR and found myself lost in bad weather all alone; due to low OVC clouds, I can't figure out where I was on the map, with no instrument rating, I was desperately trying to maintain VMC while almost digging my eyeballs out trying to catch any glimpse of ground feature between the clouds. And then, a life line popped on the radio, ATC near the area noticed I was doing orbits at low level with no air work plan filed in a single engine warrior, he called and asked me if I needed any help; I desperately jumped on the radio and admitted I was a student pilot, disoriented and VFR only need vectors for the nearest aerodrome, just not long before that, someone from my school got lost on a solo NVFR and crashed into terrain; now all of those thoughts started to creep up on my mind and that's my first time to notice my hands shaking on the controls and I could barely feel my toes due to the nerves; so what Doug said about he didn't want to change frequency cuz he didn't want to loose her on the radio, I know exactly that feeling! The controller probably sensed my panic on the mic and my voice was cracking because of the dry mouth, next thing I heard was the greatest comfort in my entire flying career, his exact words were "Don't worry, I got you, let's get you down." And no kidding, all of a sudden, my hands stopped shaking, my feet were working the pedals again and my brain got out of the dooms day mode and started checking my aircraft's performance, engine instruments and calculated my fuel remaining and began following his vectors then landed safely on the ground in about 30 mins, and even better, he didn't write me up on any incident report nor even called my school about it, however, I did inform the school on what happened and filed some internal paper work but that was it, learned my lesson on don't ever underestimate mother nature and push any flights when weather is at a minimum cuz things could get much worse before you know it, also don't hesitate to contact ATC for help, don't be a fool thinking if you admit defeat, it's going on record or you will sound stupid or loose your job, do the simple math, job vs life, what's more important? And no operator will fire their pilots if it was an honest mistake and you own up to it as long as no one got hurt, this video hits me so close to heart, I am a 30 year old dude and I cried like a teenage girl, it's people like that all of us airman can 100% fully trust while we are in the air, although some of my peers don't share the same opinion about ATC, they think they are highway patrol of the air out there to get you; now as an FO on the B738 with Qantas, I will say this, just like any profession in the world, there are always good and bad people at positions where they don't belong, same goes for pilots too, I have met some seriously questionable peers and instructors throughout my almost 10 year career, that's just way of life but I still believe there are more good ones out there than bad, like the crowd on the stage and text book example such as Kennedy Steve. To that unsung hero that causally saved my life, I feel terrible that until this day, I still don't know his name but as any good Ozzy would say, "bloody well done mate!", I am sure you are still out there somewhere on the front line, and I look forward to hear your voice again on the frequency one day in the near future, you probably won't remember me but just want to pick up where I left off 8 years ago, "Thank you and cheers mate!"
Great story!...thanks for repeating here! Read July 8,''20 at Santa Clara, CA after viewing this and RUclips .
When you wrote how your hands stopped shaking and your brain got out of doomsday mode, and then your appreciation this brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing this and congratulations on staying with it and making it your profession.
Your story and the respect for ATC and the one who helped you, made my eyes tear up. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing that incredible story Mate! I personally can relate to the feeling of being lost in flight as a student pilot. I took primary flight training in the 1970’s (before GPS). I was on my long solo cross country (300 nm) when I got lost in perfect VFR weather. I can still remember how the feeling of terror/panic made the simplest task extremely difficult. I was staring at the sectional chart desperately trying to determine my position. When I looked up I had lost 500 feet of altitude. Fortunately I noticed a familiar landmark and realized I was about 10 miles off course. I quickly learned about IFR flying (I follow roads). This is how we learn. Being lost as a Student Pilot is an experience you never forget if you’re lucky enough to live through it. Thanks again for sharing and cheers from the USA. Tim
thank u for your sharing story...
We've seen and heard of other stories about passengers taking control of planes and being talked down safely by Air Traffic Controllers and Pilots. But the reason so many of us were in tears over Doug White's incident was the fact that the original video put each viewer in the pilot's seat, listening to the actual radio audio conversation as it happened. Despite our high
definition TV and movies, it is still radio, which transmits the human voice and human emotions, and remains as one of the most compelling communication mediums of all human experience.
Exactly! Totally in agreement!!👏👏🙌🙌🥰🙏
VERY VERY WELL SAID!!!!
@@teresawelborn1360 Thank you ! It's not too often that I receive a kind and thoughtful compliment on You-Tube. More often then not, responses are loaded with insults and name-calling, even on subjects and topics which are not controversial. It's a shame that social media has become a place for people to vent anger instead of a forum for the respectful exchange of ideas and opinions. I grew up in a time when the presiding slogan of American culture was "I may not agree with your opinion, but I will defend to the death, your right to say it." Today, there are too many people who would say "I don't agree with your opinion, and I will do what I can to hasten your death so you can't keep saying it." The respectful differences that Americans had in the past have descended into angry tribalism. The angry, violent radical left has turned open-minded liberals into radicals, and conservatives into cowards. Mainstream TV media continues to lead that charge.
Hearing the emotion in Dougs voice when he landed nearly triggered flood gates here.
Wanna see a real deal? Do an internet search for "Dennis Quaid on a wing and a prayer."
Lisa's speech was incredible. Glad to see good people are still out there.
I was moved to tears watching this. Such credit to everyone who kept calm and assisted this lovely family. You should all be so proud of yourselves. You were all being cradled by god that day. God bless.
ME too - Ive been sat here with tears rolling down my cheeks, my heart in my mouth, thinking what heroes ALL those people are, inc his WIFE let's not forget her because I bet she had to either explain to her daughters why their Dad was flying the plane or try to keep them completely relaxed by fibbing & saying he was just enjoying co-piloting. I wonder what she did do?? Tell them or not tell them...
Though it's more than a bit too little, too late, I'd like to sincerely thank the designers and mfg of the King Air, a rather excellent airplane. Some years ago, something around forty in fact, I was a passenger , one of 9 i think, flying home out of Mammoth, California from a weekend ski trip. Having met the pilot just prior to takeoff, and discussing that I was taking pilot's training at John Wayne Airport in Orange County California, and since he had no "co-pilot" on that flight, he invited me to take the right hand seat for trip down the mountain. Tho the snow was deep around the little mountain airport, the runway itself was plowed just before takeoff, and away we went, for a few hundred yds or so, but just as we cleared the ground, there was a mighty "THUMP" and out of the right side window, I saw the starboard wheel gear careen down the runway and off into the snow... I informed the pilot, who flashed me a rather ashen look as he called the ground to confirm and moved to raise the gear..The green light for port came up, but not for starboard. He circled the field so his man on the ground could visually confirm, and yes, what was left of the mangled starboard gear was stuck hanging out. After speaking to his people on the radio, it was decided to try and get the gear up and get down the mountain to an airport where a foam landing could be attempted, but first the gear....Turns out there was a manual crank system behind us under the floor and while the pilot struggled with that, I simply circled the plane around the field, my very first twin engine experience :)- compared to the little Piper I had been training in lets just say it was a whole new ballgame, but a manageable one. Eventually the pilot got the gear "almost" up, and we headed down mountain to some airport I don't remember, except for the prevailing on shore winds. All the way in, I heard the ATC's and the mechanics, King Air corp engineers and flight experts, weather crews, and at one point in the background, someone coordinating all these people giving info. Well, it was decided that with the existing x-winds, on the ground that they would foam the runway, and with a portion of the mangled gear still sticking out the bottom of the starboard wing, the pilot would attempt to 'crab' into the wind, keep the right wing elevated and land on the front and left wing gear..scary as hell at the time. At touchdown , I presume it was the foam that caused the plane to lurch a bit to the left for which the pilot immediately compensated leaving us almost bicycling down the runway, until at the last moment he dropped the right wing, at which time what was left of the gear spiked into the ground and we did a small spin, then came to a stop, no flames, no crash, little to no additional damage. PIlot made sure everyone got off, and me? well after my answering a few questions for the local emerg crew, emt's etc. I made my way directly to the airport lounge, just in time to join the pilot at the bar for what turned out to be only the first of several Rusty Nails of the evening:) - (my grandfather's favorite "powerful" alcoholic beverage- he had been what they call a "Jack " mormon ;) Needless to say, absent the timely assistance of the 'aviation' fraternity (and sorority for that matter) it could have, and most likely WOULD have, turned out much worse. not to mention if the pilot had had a cardiac arrest and died...still...I guess, i could say that I have the smallest inkling of what Mr. White must have felt in that first moment. He, and everyone involved, have my profound respect not just as 'professionals', but as considerable human beings.
A "rather ashen look," that's good. You write well. Your paragraph skills could use a little work, but your prose is top-notch. Jack Mormons unite!
@@user-cn8me5nh8g Thank you for that entirely unexpected compliment:) As for the "Jack Mormons", heheh, I come from a VERY LONG line :) My great grandfather was a trapping companion of Jim Bridger, when the very first Mormon settlers crossed into what they now call "Utah":) The group just happened to have several families with a number of young girls... The settlers organized a 'party' of sorts, and in the words of my grandfather, " I decided to go on down and 'pick one out of the herd' (his words not mine :) His next sentence?
"Worst decision I ever made! Rflmao :)
He had two children, both girls, he toughed lowland life out for a number of years down on the 'flat', then moved, alone, back up in the Uinta mountains, finally coming back down shortly before his 90th birthday. (Never divorced). I took him to see the movie "Star Wars" (don't think he'd seen a movie since the 30's?) After the opening sequence where Vader is pursuing and firing at Leia's ship, (he had actually crouched down to avoid the 'gunfire') he turned to me and asked "You ever fly in one of those contraptions?"
I miss him, he was a helluva man - one of the very few Bridger ever allowed at his campfire.
Great story
During my training, I flew several Beechcraft planes: first, modified Bonanza (classical, not V-shaped, tail); then, Baron; finally, King Air and Queen Air. All of them excellent planes. I even met one of the highest in their design teams, Mike Unsain, who spent an evening with my fiancée and me and later sent me planes of the Bonanza for me to build a model plane (unfortunately, they got lost somehow). This was 40 years ago.
That was great read! And why I love YT (it's a lave/hate... Love the people I've come across here, hate the censorship going on now for the last few yrs). Anyway, I hope you have kids, & grandkids, you are an amazing story teller too! You can have a good story to share, but it's in the telling of the story that tends to grab us. Not many people have that ability, but you definitely do! Thanks for taking the time to type it. 😊
Controllers are so amazing as are nurses. Two professions that do not get sufficient credit.
Thank you. I’m a retired Nurse and have many special memories w my patients I tried to wear my Nursing Uniform w great dignity. And took care of each patient as if they were my family. And truthfully they were my inspiration to be the best I could as these Pilots and Aviation Flight people. God Bless them all.
And teachers 💕 I don’t know how they do it
Indeed, ATCs nurses and teachers. One to guide the lost and afraid away from death, one to heal the ill and dying, and one who taught the other two to do those incredible things. They all deserve the upmost respect, and they certainly have mine.
Doug was the true hero in this whole thing it's unbelievable what he was able to do and contain himself he showed major major professionalism and control he didn't panic it is beyond words what that guy deserves
I could listen to Doug read the telephone book. What a man. What amazing people.
Dang video made my glasses leak. God bless each and every one of you.
my too, got some tears out of me.
ruclips.net/video/cL-pmD8nfmw/видео.html. see if this wets your glasses a little, one of my right off the press short fims. a good movie for the people who hate cops.
Me too ..lol
You should get that fixed. They shouldn't leak.
Not sure how I got recommended this video and the one that preceded it, but I'm honored to have crossed paths with it and to have this shared with me. Hard not to feel emotional, as I am a man with a family of my own. Everyone in this video, every is a hero, and im glad they were recognized for this.
I'm glad you took a chance to watch this story! Cheers, Tim
What an amazing thing all of these professionals accomplished on that day.
So I'm here watching this incredible story because of a movie ad. It's called On A Wing and a Prayer. It's about this incident, starring Dennis Quaid and Heather Graham. It will be out this April. Great video and story, guys.
just saw it
Great story, but disappointing movie. Brian, the screen writer, had the script. All he had to do was go by the audio between Doug and ATC. He completely changed it
Lisa Grimm is an angel... She gave ALL glory to Doug and speaks SOO well! Told such a beautiful story she told and so classy and beautiful in every way. Truly a blessing to all around her. She could easily be a public speaker.
Was Doug's angel that day and he says he will never forget her.
Doug White has to be the calmest guy on the plannet. No panicing, cool head and confident. Not a 'peep' from his family as Dad does his utmost to save his family... If I was half the man you are Doug... it wouldn't even come close. God Bless.
Doug's feelings and emotions were rolling in his guts for the hour. He just had them tamped down so that he could focus. As you can hear on the full audio, when the ATC Brian Norton told him to contact Ground Control, Doug let his emotions empty.The emotions were Always there, he just had them bottled up.
As a high time pilot who happens to live just south of RSW I was listening to the scanner as this transpired in real time. Even with all the skill sets aligned as they were the odds were never above 50/50 so you c an bet the emotions you see here a year later are as real as they could ever be and every tear well earned.
Katt Mann
And even with low odds, the people involved remained calm and composed. Truly a gift.
NTSB launched a crash plane towards RSW. Turned it around in mid flight. First time NTSB has ever done that.
My Brother-in-Law was a retired Air Traffic Controller in the US NAVY and went on to teach at the FAA Center and we were so proud of him. He has since pass away but I know the Navy was very lucky to have him for almost 25 years of his life. God Bless you Raymond C. Burgess I pray your finally Resting In Peace.
My dad was a Air Traffic Controller, he loved his job and he always told us , his children to find something that you’re passionate about. It’s so nice to see them being acknowledged for the job they are doing, thanks for sharing this. I know my dad would have loved to hear this story. He did his job for 45 years at Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands,and was lucky to enjoy some years of his retirement before he passed in October 2001
That is awesome! and great advise for a young person trying to find themselves. Cheers, Tim
Good timing for this release. We need more uplifting stories like this.
We agree!
Amen to that!
Amen!!! Was going to post the same words but seen your statement already,SO True!!
Amen, in this day and age it is nice to hear a heart warming story.
Amen! This was a truly amazing, uplifting, heroic story!
Well, if Doug ever gets grounded from flying, he could certainly earn an income as a comedian. He has got the concept down to a T.
He kind of feels like a real life Ron Swanson when talking about bureaucracy.
Once the controllers got on stage I couldn't stop my tears all the way through. I am a passenger at times, not too religious but dear Lord, if you hear me, PLEASE rain all your love on them until the end of time... What an honor to get to 'meet' them even on RUclips! Thank you for your dedication and everything that you do for us. Also, Mr. Doug White, what a MAN!
Doug is a funny man! He should be a comedian. Thank you FS Mania for sharing this awesome awards event. Very cool!
It's 2020 and I'm sitting here watching this crying my eyes out. These people make me so proud to be an American.
Same
What does American have to do with it? Human being simply put.
@@jeffwisener1378 True. Point well taken.
It is beautiful to be proud of your people and country! The world used to be proud of United States, too! Now, come on.. if might get rid of THAT man.. we could be proud again ;)
ArmchairWarrior that’s a terrible broad swipe of the brush. I don’t appreciate your anti-American comment
As a controller myself, this is awesome. I hope I'm never in the position to do what these controllers had to do, but man they did an amazing job.
The woman controller who is also a pilot should get a special award. Her knowledge talking to Mr White should be recognized separately them anyone else. The other controllers called other ppl to guide the plane, she gave instructions by herself!!
The Archie League Award and the President’s Award are the highest honors in the ATC profession. It doesn’t get any more special than that.
Aircraft knowledgeable flight controllers are like angels on our shoulders.
He acknowledged that, big time!
The answered prayers turned all hearts involved to work as one. God on and through the controls and through the radio ATC used Doug to bring in the plane through faith, trust and obedience under difficult circumstances. You see, He had a plan for the rest of Doug's life.....this was a great testimony. God, the Grand Pilot at the Controls, has a plan for each member of this fantastic team
They are all heros. I'm tearing up watching this. The good Lord was watching them. RIP Colonel.
good idea, maybe every plane owner should be respond for going over just in case list with on call backup plans just in case. how to use the radio etc. had the father not asked those questions could have been a different out come.
I'm thousands of miles away, in Europe, but I know my feelings of admiration; esteem and great respect for all of those involved in this amazing story are shared by millions of others around the world.
I was a wreck watching the actual flight. I felt like I was trying to fly that plane all by myself!! Very scary but a miraculous ending! The epiloge moved me to tears. How wonderful life is when people work for a common cause. Wish that's how the whole world worked. No more wars. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. Beautiful. 💜
As a former US Navy Air Intercept Controller, I never experienced an emergency such as this. I am impressed with how each controller in this video was able to maintain a calm demeanor including the man at the controls of the King Air. Congratulations to all involved in this incident. Rest in peace to the King Air pilot who died during the flight.
@Broadcast John thank you very much for your service.
@@FSMaNiA I appreciate your thanks. You are most welcome.
Hats off Doug White,he deserves a standing ovation.
I agree! Thanks much! Tim
And he received one!
I'd say he also got one from the tower when he landed that bad boy
He needs to consider stand up along with piloting. I think he could sell out.
@@tiderbean Yeah. Except that some of the governors wouldn't allow the crowds to gather. They're on their own little power trips. Like Doug said, they'd have to create committee after committee and then commission after commission to try to decide whether or not to allow it. By the time they got it all sorted out, they'd find some other reason to keep us all under house arrest.
It would be an honor to meet Doug white in real life
In a world fraught with such sad stories, a good story like this one goes a long ways.
12 years later, I finally hear the details of this story.....I salute all of you air traffic controllers involved in this flight event.
Thank You to ALL the ATC out there, helping pilots and keeping the skies safe !
Hats off to Mr. Doug White.... Awesome Job !!
Glad you enjoyed it
Yep !!! AWESOME 👌
Just an incredible story. I sat on the edge of my seat the entire time watching the first part. Simply amazing on Doug White's part, especially since he hasn't flown in 18 years! I was praying along with everyone else that all would go well. You can hear the stress and panic in his voice, then exhaustion, then relief that he landed safely and did the task with grace.
And to the pilot's family who lost their husband, father, brother and son--we are sorry for your loss that day. God Bless.
Hasn't "flown" in 18 years is a big overstatement. He'd only been flying 80 hours his entire life prior to this incident - on a different (much simpler) airplane. For perspective, an airline pilot typically logs in an average 80 hours per month and had to be extensively retrained when they switch to a new aircraft even if they have logged in thousands of flying hours. Why? Because every aircrafts have very different flying characteristics and instrumentations.
While Mr. White's flying "credentials" prior to this incident does help a tiny bit, his greatest help is himself for his own steady demeanour and the professionalism of the ATC folks because you could have a newbie trained for 80 hours on this exact same aircraft just over a year ago (never mind 18 bloody years), knows all the instrumentations and still kill everyone onboard due to panic or poor guidance.
@@hippo-incognito4357 Absolutely correct. My brother flies for Delta and has always had to be trained for the next aircraft. He's been a pilot for over 20 years, but that certainly doesn't mean he knows all the instruments in each aircraft.
Anyway, Mr. White was indeed very calm; he had to be, in order to follow the directions--or risk losing his life and the life of his family members.
It is truly a remarkable story; kudos to him.
@@hippo-incognito4357 Yep. He state that when he decided to get back into flying, the first day in the C-172 he had no clue on how to even start the engine. So the 20 year previous 80 hours were useless. He was essentially starting out as a new student.
His 'current' hours he said in a later interview were like 35 hours over 5 months. He said his instructor in that time was a stickler for radio communications, so therefore you have what you have with his communicating.
An incredible story.
I am 66 years old and also flew Cessna 150s and 172s when I was 22 years old. I doubt I could have been as cool and organised as Doug if the same thing happened to me.
Great work Doug.
Your instincts kick in high gear, it's a matter of survival, I'm sure that you would of done okay in that kind of situation.
The COM traffic was so quickly and professionally redirected, enabling focused one-on-one! Yet even the other pilots, as they quickly cleared off Cpt. White's frequency, were wishing the team well as they signed off. Excellence!
The ATC trying to clear the frequency deserves an award for not biting off the head of that dense pilot who continually interrupted and couldn't understand that they were dealing with an emergency, switch to another frequency! I was ready to yell at him😖🖕😡!!!
@@jillianbruce6143 445 Alpha Kilo
@@jillianbruce6143 perfect sequence of emojis lol
Not a dry eye in the building. Or behind the screens. Wow hats off to all.
AS a pilot I applaud the ATC every time I talk to them, their job has got to be the Best in aviation (other than actually being PIC). There is no way I would ever want to be in the situation Doug was in with the cargo he was carrying. Thankfully he had a team of controllers that were determined to help, not because they HAD too, because they wanted too. As my 1st instructor told me Flying is hours and hours of pure boredom interrupted by moments of shear terror. I have no doubt that sitting looking at a scope all day talking to pilots falls into the category as well. Thanks to the ATC Folks around the world that try to keep us bored pilots from running into each other, helping when that moment of shear terror arrives and getting us back safely on the ground. THANK YOU.
Well said! ATC people are heroes.
PS. Landing like a butterfly with sore feet... What a wonderfull image.
My favourite new saying for a great landing. :-)
Thank you for your service Randy.
Absolutely. Fact: PPP "Loan" Money has turned in a big scam at $15 Billion and counting. Forgiveness? If it's a LOAN you pay the damn thing back!
ATC is at the top of my list of vocations I most admire. They are unseen and anonymous to the public, but their role is vital and often heroic. Remember, they cleared the North American airspace in 3.5 hours on 9/11.
I couldn’t agree more!
I think Doug was pretty clear in expressing what he thinks about ATC's.
He sent all involved a gift certificate to Outback ( I think, the story goes) for $100 and a note of his appreciation for their work.
Plus, the individualized plaques he had made and presented, as you saw.
A word of recognition to Mr. White's wife and children. As someone who is deathly afraid of flying but still fascinated by each aircraft that takes to the skies, I cannot imagine the fear and anxiety you endured during this flight.
As one of his children, my first reaction would've been to provide my father with a friendly reminder to "set this aircraft down before I literally give birth to a cow up here and in this situation, I'd be overstating the fact having a cow is going to put a damper on things."
Recognition for something that may have been a bit overlooked: Mr. White was flying this plane, unqualified, and distraught, after having just attended a close family member's funeral.
I'm guessing the ATCs didn't know this part of the man's life history so I think it makes an even more extraordinary display of compassion, kindness, and unbelievable professionalism on their part.
Well done. Let the history of our time on this planet be written more through these people, the best of everyone involved in this wonderful outcome.
Excellent point. Not only having recently been mourning or celebrating the life of a close family member but then to have your pilot to die right beside you. I can imagine what his family was feeling. And, from the original story, Doug had to get the pilot's body off the yoke so he could gain control and his wife tried. All she was able to do was cinch up the pilots restraint a little tighter to pull him back. So, I can only imagine what we could not hear from that cabin since it wasn't like RUclips pilot channels with a GoPro mounted recording all conversations.
Vert well said.
And his Mom would have buried all of her kids and all of her grand-kids, withing 2 days of each other.
Doug White is a down to earth guy who has a great sense of humor, who stayed calm, kept his focus and got the job done. The cooperation among all those who helped land the King Air plane was amazing. God bless them all.
I loved this story, it is heartwarming and shows what teamwork can do.
Wish the world could follow their example of what can be accomplished if we work together❤
He's also a natural-born public speaker and showman. My hat's off to him.
The best moments in life are the times we all pull together to get things done-working as a team toward the goal, like these folks did putting everything else aside for others. Let’s pray our country can be like these folks and put nonsense aside to focus on its real mission of being the light of hope to our world.
Yes, now more than ever!
I am not a pilot, but a 72 year old who has been an aviation/space geek since I was maybe four. I went on to earn a degree in electrical engineering, and I was very fortunate that my career path led me to spend that last twenty years of my career in aerospace.
I found the original video of the incredible ATC effort to save N559DW absolutely riveting, and their well coordinated efforts put together on a moment's notice was truly inspiring. What a great group of very skilled professionals!
Watching this video of those wonderful people receiving their very well deserved award was another dose of inspiration. My wife and I are both "cat people", and used to be members of a community on website called Catster that I described as "Facebook for cats", although it actually predated Facebook. We had some terms we used that we called "Catster speak". One term we used at sad times, like when one of our friends lost a beloved feline companion, was "you made my eyes leak".
Listening to Lisa read that plaque Doug prepared for the group who saved his life made my eyes leak, a lot!
I’m a private Pilot and I know how stressful a situation like that is, there is no room for error when you’re in the air, you can’t pull over and park to get your bearings or clear your head and you are under a time line that can be extended because fuel is burning. EVERYONE that had anything to do with this situation was a notch above excellent! 👍👍👍
Wow, this story blows me away. I'm a 400 hour private pilot and 70 years old with tears in my eyes.
I'm glad Doug got the bird on the ground and kept everybody safe. The ATC people did one hell of a bang up job, so they deserve every single kind word and every single bit of acknowledgement they get. May the dead pilot rest in peace.
I was off that night, but proud to have worked 30 years in that profession and at both of those facilities. Thank you to the FAA and the many great controllers, supervisors and managers I met along the way. Fabulous career for sure.
Too touching, too real, too emotional, and too inspiring....I am beyond words. what a tribute to people that
functioned and cared for others by doing their jobs; and what amazing jobs they did!
This was a true Chain Reaction that performed the perfect link.
Just a thought, Aircraft manufacturers should have a Go To Phone Number manned 24/7, that worldwide ATC operatives can call. Put that to the committee.
Problem one is Probably trying to call a number at 20000ft.
And solution is now they released a plane that has autoland feature that selects the nearest airport flies to it and lands the plane and stops it on the runway all by itself and notifys Atc aswell.
@@DanielSan-ch7dr The phone number would be for ATC not the pilot.
No good. The manufacturer is going to be of little help. It's the same as if you asked an aircraft mechanic to help you fly. They have no flying experience. Either could tell you what knob does what, or how a system works, but you need airspeeds and flight characteristics of that particular model to have any hope of making it down safely.
Manufactures do have an AOG line that can be contacted at all hours, but it is for technical info or parts help. It is a resource that mechanics use, not pilots. They have their own training for their end of things.
Just last night I was blown away watching the original video of this event. Today I found the epilogue. Great story. I cried with both videos. You are all very much appreciated. I too am a low time single-engine pilot, no longer current. I could easily have been in this same situation. It helps to visualize how I would hope the situation would develop to a happy ending.
Very well said! The Epilogue is like icing on the cake.. very good stuff! Cheers, Tim
@@FSMaNiA I needed this closure, thanks.
To all of the Air Traffic Controllers, we can't thank you enough for what you do every day. From dealing with student instrument pilots (I know I gave a few controllers fits) to rusty and non-proficient pilots taxing you to the breaking point. I've been told to contact the next controller on their frequency, and had to wait 10 minutes to find a break to check in. I don't know how you do it, but thank God you do. Going from the mundane, day in and day out grind of dealing with professionals to dealing with people you'd like to strangle (I wanted to, and I was just listening to them not having to talk to them), then having to deal with something like this, you're very under appreciated. Let's hope you never have to deal with a situation close to this, but if you do here's to hoping you handle it with this level of professionalism. As Doug said, it took many people making decisions and thinking out of the box to get him and his family down safely.
So, the next time I piss off a controller, which no doubt will be soon, I'm sorry, but thank you for putting up with all of us and doing your job.
@John Friend Very well said!
One of the most stressful, and under appreciated professions.
I teared up through a lot of this. I don't know Doug, Lisa or any of the people involved in the king air miracle, I loved Doug's speech that he gave Lisa to read. Such a touching, remarkable story about the events that happened that day.
Oh my God. Wow! Fantastic true story. He is really something - on stage, in the cockpit - doesn't matter where.
I watched the original video while biting my nails and holding my breath the entire time. A remarkable story which so aptly illustrates what makes the American people ultimately great . Ordinary Joes and ordinary Janes lending a hand to help someone in need. We see that play out all the more in the midst of this pandemic. God bless you my American friends ... from Canada.
Charlie M Thank you. God bless our Canadian family as well.
Lisa Grimm seems to be one heckuva special person, and that takes nothing away from Doug White. This is a fabulous story. After watching a lot of videos about plane crashes where the pilots didn't seem to know how to fly, it amazes me that this guy - who had never trained on this type of plane - could land it perfectly with a lot of help from a lot of new friends he found that day.
I sat through every minute I was so glad that he wasn't totally unfamiliar. I cried my eyes out. I was so proud that he got his family and his deceased friend home on the ground. He didn't seem to panic. HE was familiar with the lingo. God blessed him all the way home.
A lot of charisma up on that stage!! Looking fwd to the movie :-)
The stress level for Doug must have been incredible. And to that, his friend is sitting dead in the seat next over. Doug must have had to dig to the depths of his soul to keep his composure and focus. Many a peron would have folded within minutes. These are situations where you find out what you're truly made of. I hope all the Controllers who guided and supported Doug never have to face this again, but If so, know they do make a huge difference and are an irreplaceable lifeline to people who need you. Although neither an ATC or Pilot, I can still appreciate the teamwork and focus it takes to successfully bring a high stress situation under complete control with a great ending. Folks, thanks for your work.
And his entire family is sitting in the back.
OK I'm crying and it takes a lot to get me to cry. My beloved husband Alex would have been so thrilled to be able to meet all of you and he would have had a great deal in common with Kari Sorenson. Alex lived, loved, slept, ate, and breathed aircraft and the history of aviation. When he was younger he began training in a single-engine Cessna and soloed in a very short time. For several reasons I won't go into (which happened before I knew him), he was unable to complete his training. It never stopped him from continuing to obtain knowledge and to develop his love and passion for flying and aircraft. He was an enormously talented painter who, if he had pursued it ambitiously, could have made a great deal of money as an artist. But that was just a hobby to him. Because his love was airplanes, he did the next best thing to flying (at least in his opinion) which was this: he built models of aircraft from the Wright Brothers to the present. His collection of unbuilt models went through major wars, conflicts, disputes, or whatever they were called. When he saw a new model had come out, he had to have it. His models that were built were exquisite with detail, the airbrush painting so realistic, and he often created dioramas to create just the proper setting for each jewel. There were a great many kits that he knew he probably wouldn't have time to create but each kit was treasured. Because Alex wanted more than anything to take up flying again, I was so sorry that it was something we never were able to have happened. Because you see, I know in my heart of hearts that Alex would have done just what Doug White did. Whether it was his family or total strangers involved, he would have stepped up, landed the plane with all the incredible help of the Air Traffic Controllers, and walked away glad to have been there when needed. My only regret is that Alex never got to hear this marvelous story. Because you see, he passed away 4 months ago just after our 37th wedding anniversary. I said that I don't cry very often and it's true. But I cried at his military funeral for a veteran of the U.S. Air Force when they played Taps. I know he was listening and I know he's finally flying again, with God.
Deeply sorry for your profound loss. Respect!!! RiP Alex and thank you for your service to our country.
@@FSMaNiA Thank you so much. You've touched my heart deeply.
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story. I lost my wife last year 3 months after our 21st anniversary. The hardest part I have had to deal with is that I never thought it would happen to me. I say me because I cant say ‘us’ anymore. I thought we would live happily together for a much longer time than God had set for us. Those of you who are reading this please do not take one more second for granted because as we have seen, you just may not have another one left.
I grew up putting model airplane kits together so I can relate to your husband Alex. It is funny that I ended up in the Navy Submarine force.
I thank you again for sharing your story.
May God bless, hold and heal you.
{edit} I appreciate you and your husbands service for our country.
@@joelwilbanks1165 Thank you for such a lovely response, it truly touched me. You don't say whether or not you and your wife had children but I know our daughter has been of great help to me. I think one of the most difficult things has been the silence in our home. Our daughter is married and on her own so once Alex went there was no one to talk to except my 2 cats. They don't seem to mind but I know the sound of human voices is very important.If you're still putting together model airplane kits you'd be welcome to a couple of kits from Alex's collection. I'm donating them (and his book collection) but there are quite a few so I could give them away with no problem.
Thank you again and God bless and be with you during your time of grief.
@@laurenrose2895 We were older when we first met and that time ran out so did not have kids.
She was very much a dog person and we ended up with 4! Out first was a Jack Russel, named Ditto, who live for 19yrs and 5 months. I tried to keep {edit} our #2, Teddy, around long enough for her to come back home.. he was the sweetest dog not even one aggressive growl from him for 17yr 9mo of his life. The remaining two I still have.. well the truth is they still tolerate me! lol.
I know, the silence is deafening! For almost 3 months it felt like she was just out shopping and would walk through the front door at any moment. My sleep patterns are just now beginning to become more normal. Time has a funny way of working during this time. I had someone in grief counceling say “days seemed like months & months like minutes. It was the quickest longest year of his life.” Even though it hasnt been a year yet I can certainly agree with that statement!
Thank you for the offer of the kits. I am actually honored and tempted. But it has been 40-ish years since i finished my last model. Im not sure I would give it the justice it deserves.
What type of books did he read? Depending on his purview, and if the same offer is open, I would enjoy a couple of them. If Im not being too presumptuous?
I will continue to lift you and your family in prayer. May God continue to bless and keep you all.