Friendly Skies

A Pilot's Advice
Next time you are aboard a plane remember what you read here

After the resumption of flights in the U.S. following their cancellation for a few days because of the September 11 tragedy caused by terrorists who smashed the hijacked planes into buildings in New York City and Washington, people were understandably affraid and reluctant to travel by air.

Here's a true story that happened a few days after the planes started to fly again.

United Airlines flight 564 was about to pull away from the gate of Denver International Airport when the pilot came on the public address system, and this is what he said to passengers.

"I want to thank you brave folks for coming out today. We don't have any new instructions from the federal government, so from now on we are on our own."

Among the passengers total silence now as the captain continued.

"Sometimes a potential hijacker will announce that he has a bomb. I want you passengers to know that there are no bombs on this aircraft. So, if someone gets on and makes that claim, don't believe him. If someone would stand up and brandish something like a plastic knife and announce this is a hijacking, here's what you should do."

The pilot then said: "Every one of you should stand up and immediately throw things at that person; pillows, books, magazines, eyeglasses, shoes. Throw anything that would throw him off balance and distract his attention. But most important, get a blsnket over him, wrestle him to the floor and keep him there. We will land at the nearest airport and authorities will take it from there. Remember that there will be one of him and 200 of you. Now, since we are a family for the next few hours, turn to the person next to you and introduce yourself. Tell him a little about yourself and ask him to do the same. Thank you and have a pleasant flight."

And the passengers turned into cheers and tears.