NY1 Web Exclusive: FAA Audio Recordings Of Flight 1549
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On January 15th, a U.S. Airways jet en route to Charlotte, NC from LaGuardia Airport was forced to land in the Hudson River after both of its engines were disabled by a bird strike. The pilot, Chesley Sullenberger, safely guided Flight 1549 onto the Hudson River near the USS Intrepid; all 155 people aboard were safe.
Thursday, investigators released the audio recordings from that day.
On the first clip, the pilot informs the air traffic controller of the problem he has encountered. That is followed by an exchange over what the pilot's options are, with him realizing he has little choice but to immediately land the plane.
Later on the clip is the conversation between the LaGuardia Air Traffic Control Tower Cab Coordinator Position and the LaGuardia Port Authority, alerting the PA to the situation.
On the second clip is the dialogue between a helicopter pilot and the LaGuardia ATCT Class Braco Airspace Position. The helicopter witnesses Flight 1549 land on the Hudson and the rescue that follows.
Note that there are periods of silence during the recordings.