Miracle on the Hudson

Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger avoided catastrophe by safely landing a US Airways plane on the Hudson River.  On January 15, 2009, Sullenberger was the pilot in command with an extensive flight and military experience, the kind of guy you want in the control pit with the slightest hint of danger.

According to reports:

“Shortly after taking off, Sullenberger reported to air traffic control that the plane had hit a large flock of birds, disabling both engines.  Several passengers saw the left engine on fire. Sullenberger discussed with air traffic control the possibilities of either returning to LaGuardia airport or attempting to land at the Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. However, Sullenberger quickly decided that neither was feasible, and determined that ditching in the Hudson River was the only option for everyone’s survival.  Sullenberger told the passengers to “brace for impact”, then piloted the plane to a smooth ditching in the river at about 3:31 P.M.”

The Miracle?

Every passenger survived!  To land the way Sullenberger did in such a small space with no casualties was beyond a miracle.  With God’s protection and Sullenberger’s expert skills, this flight is remembered for what was saved not what was lost…

There are some things best left to a professional

I can think of a short list of professionals I would want by my side in a jam:

  • Doctor for my health issues/problems
  • Attorney for my legal issues/problems
  • CPA for my tax issues/problems
  • CFP for my financial issues/problems

People often refer to the professionals when it comes to legal and health issues, but when finances enter the picture, all too often people tackle their 401ks, IRAs, and investments alone without consulting a professional.  I’d like to say these do-it-themselves-ers often land safely, but unfortunately miracles are few and far between…

This  only confirms to me that sometimes having a professional makes all the difference in the world!