It's been a little over a year since Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger successfully landed his crippled jet in the Hudson River, sparing the lives of everyone on board. On January 15 those survivors met and traveled by boat to the spot where the plane went down. At precisely 3:31 p.m., the moment of impact, they raised their glasses in a toast to the pilot whose skills had allowed each of them to grow a year older.
There are many reasons to praise Captain Sullenberger. He remained calm throughout a difficult situation. He expertly guided the plane so it would glide atop the water rather than cartwheel across it. The list goes on and on. But what amazes me most is the timing of his decision to land the plane in the river.
After striking a flock of birds and losing thrust from both engines, the air traffic controller suggested returning to LaGuardia and later, Teterboro airport in New Jersey (You can hear the air traffic control audio in the video below). Planes are supposed to land at airports. Sullenberger must have preferred those options. And yet, he made the decision to land in the river and he made it in time to execute it. If he had clung to his hope for a better alternative any longer, he would have lost ALL of his options and, likely, the lives of those on board.
When making decisions, timing matters. Are you faced with a decision and holding out for the best option, but risking all of your options in the process? What if you landed in the river instead? You might find yourself toasting your choice in a year. Spread the fire. GS
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