A Prairie Home Companion: January 17, 2009

Pilot song
Saturday, January 17, 2009

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His name was Chesley B. Sullenberger the 3rd
Which for a pilot is somewhat absurd
A pilot's name should be Buzz, Bill or Chuck
But a name like Chesley may mean good luck

He was flying an Airbus out of New York
When at 3000 feet the engine lost torque
His voice was calm as he sent out the word
Chesley B. Sullenberger the 3rd

No time to maneuver or head for New Jersey
The force of gravity shows us no mercy
And there was the river stretching for miles
So he said to his copilot Jeffrey Skiles.
"We'll put it down here, don't look at the maps,
Bring the landing gear up, extend the flaps."
And the flight attendants prepared themselves
Donna Dent, Sheila Dail, and Doreen Welsh.

The city spread out below at his feet
And he landed at the foot of 48th Street
On the Hudson River he landed the bird
Chesley B. Sullenberger the 3rd

The plane did not sink, it lay on the river
And all aboard were safely delivered
It could have been tragic but no deaths occurred
Thanks to Chesley B. Sullenberger the 3rd

The next time you fly, look in the cockpit
Where the captain and first officer calmly sit
Ready to take you up and onward
Like Chesley B. Sullenberger the 3rd

Take you across the country for miles
With officers like Jeffrey Skiles.
And attendants who in crisis don't fail
Donna Dent, Doreen Welsh, and Sheila Dail.