ABOARD US AIRWAYS FLIGHT 1697 – We’re passing through critical goose-flying range above La Guardia Airport – the exact same route that ended in terror a day earlier – and passengers en route to Charlotte, NC, hold their breath.
Back in coach, Phyllis Louis-Dreyfus breathes deeply and bows her head, quietly praying.
“I was supposed to be on that flight,” said Phyllis, 69. That flight that suffered a double bird strike and ended up in the Hudson River. That flight that, were it not for an awesome pilot, gallant ferryboat hands and cool passengers, might have ended in tragedy. Instead, no one died.
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Up front in the expensive seats was Billy Campbell, a 49-year-old TV exec who spent a portion of Thursday bobbing in the drink, sharing a life raft with pilot Chesley Sullenberger.
Are you nervous? I asked. Casually, he said, “No.”
“There are always geese around,” he said. Then he noticed the pained expression on my face. I’m not a very confident flier, under the best of circumstances.
“Don’t worry,” said the guy who flew so close to the abyss. “I’m going to make sure you have a safe flight.”
Well, pass the airsickness bag! He did.
Before takeoff, it seemed every passenger made last-second cellphone calls to loved ones. Just to reassure them – or themselves – that it was not goodbye.
“Yes, I’m on a US Airways flight to Charlotte,” they said in near unison. “Don’t worry. I’ll see you soon.” I actually saw someone reviewing the safety card in his seat-back pocket. There’s a first time for everything.
Yesterday’s flight was completely full, with 150 men, women and one snoozing infant.
They conquered fear to board that plane. Even me. Nature – or birds – will not ground this nation.
Harvey Augenbaum, 61, of Westchester, on his way to see his son, tried to appear unafraid. “If I have to paddle my way to Charlotte, I will,” he said with a chuckle.
But as the plane gained altitude, he betrayed darker emotions. “I guess this is where everyone is hoping for the best.”
When we landed, a burst of hearty applause broke out. “Yay!” someone shrieked.
We landed safely. We’ll land safely again.
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