She's Got Wings

I was headed home for Christmas my freshman year in college when American Eagle 3379 crashed in the woods outside of Raleigh, NC...

I woke up as the plane was going down and held my body in the fetal position to brace for impact. It was cold, dark and raining, the only light I had was that of the cockpit on fire in front of me. I pulled my broken self out of the fiery plane until my rescue angels arrived.

There were 20 souls on the plane, 15 of which perished. It was pilot error that caused the fatal crash. An inexperienced pilot who became distracted by a faulty light, thinking there was an engine that had failed when all systems were a go.

When the NTSB report came out 10 months later, investigators uncovered that AA was completely aware of the pilot’s performance. They had numerous complaints from First Officers who didn’t feel comfortable flying with Captain Hillis, and several who refused to fly with him. There was a documented complaint that stated “in an out-of-control situation, he would not make the right choice”.

Prior to working for American, the pilot flew for Delta. He was allowed to resign rather than be fired for his lack of performance. He was hired by American shortly thereafter as a copilot and after a year moved up to the Captain’s seat.

This all seems completely ridiculous that an airline would knowingly allow a pilot to continue in this role, I know. And even worse that they hired him after being removed from Delta. How in the hell could this be true! Apparently, at this time there were no requirements for airlines to review previous performance records when hiring a pilot. You’re a pilot, we need a pilot. Seriously.

On the first anniversary of the crash I testified in front of congress, along with my mother, and family members of those who had perished. Together we urged congress that changes in airline safety happen, and they happen immediately. The Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996 was passed shortly thereafter. The system tracks performance records, violations, and previous employer records, because a qualified pilot should and will now be at the top of the safety list.

I was the only female who lived, and sole survivor to carry this torch. I wear these wings as a fierce reminder of the souls that died that cold rainy night in the woods, and the changes we've made in airline safety. And when life seems to be in a tailspin, they're a gentle reminder that I've got wings.

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