208 Seconds
By Brett Hahn
October 2016 - EAA Chapter 431 in Brodhead, Wisconsin, hosted a very special “Night at the Movies,” featuring an exclusive showing of the new aviation movie Sully, starring Tom Hanks. Chapter 431 sold out the 300-seat Schubert Theater for the September 24 evening showing.
The Brodhead chapter unveiled a special treat: Jeff Skiles, “Miracle on the Hudson” copilot and member of EAA and chapter 431, introduced the movie. Jeff also hosted a 45-minute Q&A session afterwards.
Most of us only knew what was reported in the press. This event gave EAAers a unique opportunity to hear the rest of the story from Jeff — the 18-month saga that unfolded after the 208-second-long emergency landing. The event went on late into the night as the packed theater listened to the real story behind the “Miracle on the Hudson.”
Moviegoers reported that the story of the aftermath was riveting and powerful. As the NTSB investigation unfolded, black-box data was released and simulations were conducted to see if the aircraft could have made it back to two alternate airports in the area. Such a finding could have had career-ending consequences for the pilots involved and they knew it.
It’s a great movie with a surprising conclusion. Don’t miss the chance to see it for yourself!
