Flying on 9-11

I was flying on 9-11 this year. The 10th anniversary of said day. It was a bit of an odd feeling, if I'm honest. Back in 2001, I wasn't even a pilot. Most people can tell you exactly where they were when world changing events occurred. For me, I was at college. Grad school actually. I was talking with a recruiter from Lockheed Martin when I heard a plane had hit the WTC. At that point, it wasn't clear that it was an, "attack." Shortly after, of course, we knew this was going to be one of those historic days. And not in a good way.

On my first flight in the morning, I noticed I had 3 non-uniform USAir pilots on board. I assumed they were heading to NYC for the anniversary ceremonies. I could see in their eyes that this day meant different things to them. Sure it was still a huge tragedy to me, but this was an attack on their careers. I wasn't even a pilot yet when it all happened. So, while I think about the loss of all those people and the towers themselves every single time I fly by lower Manhattan, I think it hits those guys/gals who were working that day 10 years ago, just a little harder.

I even thought about if I would go to any of those ceremonies if I hadn't been working. I was working, so it wasn't an option. But I don't think I'd have gone even if I had the day off. I can't really relate to those who were there, who lost loved ones, who lost fellow airline pilots and/or flight attendants, etc, etc. I was just a grad student trying to land a job. I think those airline gatherings in DC and NYC were more for those who were in this line of work when that all unfolded. I just would feel a bit out of place being there I guess.

I did my share and got my 3 USAir pilots to LGA on time so that they could participate, pay respects, and share some stories about that day with others. I think its important for them to do that. I think its best for me to have worked that day, and let them have the day off to attend those functions. I'm glad I was able to help them get there.

My only regret was we were completely in the clouds at 4000ft while we flew by ground zero on our approach to LGA. The one day that everyone really wanted to look at lower Manhattan and ground zero, and no one could see a thing. *sigh* I guess that's the way it goes sometimes.