First Officer Jeff Skiles - Miracle on the Hudson

Jeff Skiles started flying at the age of 16, and to date has logged over 21,000 hours. Best known for a few short moments as the First Officer of the "Miracle on the Hudson", Jeff has also served as the Vice-President of the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations representing over 28,000 pilots in airline safety and security issues. Jeff has also served as the Vice President of Communities and Member Programs for EAA.
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[@modelaircraft]

Watch more of our Top Ten AMA Expo Speakers at www.modelaircraft.org/expotop10

[@ali5524]

ok

[@willleaton2827]

There's no audio on this video

[@jameshoran8]

Sully was fortunate to have such a capable man in the right seat.

[@lindadickey9885]

James Horan 1

[@semisweetsnail8578]

James Horan 2

[@chaseschuchardt937]

Co pilot

[@DaNomadLad]

James Horan 3

[@haplessasshole9615]

And he has said so many, many times. In every interview in which they're both present, Sullenberger absolutely *shoves* the spotlight to Skiles, emphasizes that Skiles actually had more flight experience than he, and generally lets it be known, loud and clear, that Skiles deserves just as much credit. Capt. Sully is as modest and generous as he is soft-spoken. They're both absolute heroes.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

155 people survived because of Skiles, Sully, all the crew, and all of the first responders. The real ferry captain played himself in the movie.

[@87Dodge87]

Sully was a team player. He respected Skiles and acknowledged that it was the two of them together that made this a successful emergency landing.

[@kevini4295]

The best part of the whole thing; when Sully said to Jeff "You got any ideas?". And he said "Actually not.". They did the absolute best they could.

[@huntergant6518]

A very intelligent and funny man. Any pilot would be fortunate to have Jeff skiles as a f/o

[@irmajeannava]

Mr. Skiles seems to be a very nice gentlemen and does not seem to want the limelight. I am sure the passengers appreciate him just as much as they do Mr. Sullenberger. Both seem to be fine men and good pilots they both should be commended for keeping this professional demeanor in the face of such bleak circumstances. Hats off to BOTH.

[@almasarajlic2306]

Neither or them does. Such humble and down to earth (no pun intended lol OK maybe just a little one) people. Respect from Australia.

[@radar536]

I agree a 100% with your words. The definition for them, I guess, appears in the end of the movie..."we did our job".

[@markgalassini8742]

Irma Nava well said! I agree.

[@jessier.cardona6062]

Miracles are miracles, because they happen. These two men met without knowing, they were about to become heroes, the hours of knowledge through training, procedures, support , investigation and definitely the stamina both shared saved all those lives. GB both of them

[@bikkies]

@@jessier.cardona6062 No doubt they've also become firm friends too. Fate threw them together and the limelight kept them there. That sort of situation would either bond them for life or turn to loathing, and neither gentleman appears to have anything but camaraderie and respect for the other.

[@dr.jackkevorkian1119]

Wow, Jeff Skiles is not only A Great Pilot but also A Great Speaker. Very well done sir.

[@BushyHairedStranger]

Sully kept lives & aircraft equipment from ending up at the bottom of the Hudson,…Jeff Skiles?,…he’s a litterbug, he threw another persons knife blade into the river like it was trash! Captain Sully should’ve said “MY BLADE!”…at least then it wouldn’t be at the bottom of the Hudson.

[@limlaith]

I just can't believe how rude all the people are being. I would be dead silent and glued to my seat!

[@qc7112]

​@limlaith5151 The event was probably at a convention where there are people walking around and doing something else.

[@RobertCunningham-pf9tg]

​@@BushyHairedStrangerLol My blade ! Good call 😉👍

[@pswann]

This is the best explanation of the Miracle of the Hudson I've heard. Skiles and Sully are true heroes.

[@kingofroam1]

I knew Sully at the airlines as we were on a committee together . Also, Jeff flew with me on the 727 as an Engineer and a F/O. It was a pleasure to know them both.

[@mdb831]

Anyone who knows anything about aviation also knows that Jeff is a hero too.

[@rosemarymcgrory5678]

Such a Humble man ..I just hope everyone is listening to him .tell his incredible story ..Jeff is just as much a hero as sully is ..Jeff is incredible pilot and gentleman

[@BushyHairedStranger]

He’s an admitted litterbug. He didn’t need to throw ANYTHING into the Hudson. He chose to.

[@Closeoutracer]

Jeff has been a true pro through the whole ordeal. So much attention has been pointed towards Sully, who did an exceptional job. Kudos to Jeff Skiles who's walked it out just as he should.. with professionalism, grace, and earnestness.

[@CaribbeanMischief]

At 41:40 he reveals that 8 passengers hailed cabs from the ferry terminal to La Guardia for the next flight to Charlotte. Unreal.

[@justinsmith7613]

Jeff has an awesome sense of humor. I was shocked people did not laugh more often.

[@mikekim1219]

Even though he makes it sound casual, after listening to him you really appreciate what calm focus and skill these pilots have displayed to land that plane. Any single pilot mistake(indecision) would have caused catastrophe.

[@foxmacnamara8809]

Sully and Skiles compliment each other. 2 men 1 brain. Good work fellas!!

[@chesiel.1890]

He is my favorite story teller. I really like his sense of humor.

[@kshripad32]

I am much impressed with Jeff Skiles

[@radar536]

Both, and the crew are amazing people. Amazing professionals. We need more people like this. Worldwide.

[@malcolmwilliams862]

Amen

[@mya5980]

Jeff Skiles is a extraordinary, gracious, professional yet personable as well, another outstanding pilot!

[@martymcmannis9121]

I loved the float plane reference. Thanks Jeff,Sully,and flight attendants. Thanks for doing your job and saving souls.

[@abrahamcasanova9901]

Thank you Captain Skiles for sharing your story. It is pure gold. Every pilot should take the time to listen to it.

[@fussypeg8561]

What a story, what a cool character, great sense of humour

[@crashmat]

A comment to Jeff.I am an experienced ambulance technician in England UK and I can tell you when two members of the ambulance crew are involved in a "bad job" (Cardiac arrest for example) we don't need to speak to each other, I know what he is going to do and he knows what I am going to do. I assume your roles were on a par with this. I admire your efforts, superb. Well done.

[@nahochan8252]

capt sully never failed to mention his crew mmbers n those who involve in the rescue.. n skies is soo down to earth, very gentleman.. good job both of u 👏

[@12sabbath]

Two very humble unselfish men. Heaven sent! May God continue to bless you both.

[@Notimp0rtant523]

Both men knew their places. They both had critical roles, and they played them perfectly, despite having never met. This is what happens when you follow protocol.

[@shaynaletter5589]

Jeff is such a great guy, a real hero.

[@andrewlavey6992]

Well done guys for saving so many people. And a big thanks to the rescuers.

[@mcdonnellpadraic]

Love the attitude of the 8 folks that get back on a flight right after ditching in the Hudson 😅

[@alphabetazeta5373]

The humility of these pilots is humbling in and of itself

[@kennethbutler1343]

How could 32 people not like this video?? Skiles is a very likable man, very intelligent, and with a 'common man' demeanor, and he's well rehearsed to tell the story with the exact right pacing.

[@regould221]

Maybe they didn't like the so so camera work.

[@cockroachdeloach5093]

And the sound. Geez I had to put my parent’s hearing aid in. Lol. Still gave them a 👍🏼 though.

[@parsivalngongo1026]

Kenneth Butler it’s human nature my dear . Jesus himself had haters what about us ?

[@billdewahl7007]

Might have something to do with the absolutely shit audio???? Idfk?? Maybe next time take at least an uneducated guess. It's not difficult to determine audio/video quality. Unless you know, you're fucking deaf. Shit like this could be corrected, but instead of doing so some moron uploads it. Shame.

[@timv778]

Birds have figured out how to watch KZbin

[@ec7287]

This is the kind of guy I wish I had in the cockpit on every flight I take. And his expression of gratitude toward everyone at the end really brought out for me the character of this man.

[@catfish252]

Everyone on board that day was very fortunate and Blessed to have two very professional and talented pilots up front.

[@j1k2j3s4]

What a marvelous description of this heart stopping event. Jeff & Sully are true heroes.

[@wac3619]

Respect this guy. A hero, yet so modest.

[@rangotango6136]

Mr. Skiles is a humble man!

[@catblue7065]

Yep, he’s right up there with the captain...and flight attendants on this flight. All hero’s!

[@chrisgriffin4183]

I love how he has a sense of humor about it cracking jokes about his experience thru the crash landing

[@Miatpi]

*"Forced water landing" :P

[@teresakramer2438]

Sully was very fortunate to have you as his co-pilot. My deep respect for you. Glad your with us today♥️👍

[@orangefanization]

What a great guy, great pilot, and he has a calm cool soothing voice and way about him. Type of guy that would be great under pressure like he was!

[@nokaoi6414]

Any married or committed couple, or any kind of tight knit group for that matter, will tell you that it’s team work that gets you thru the tough stuff ... Capt. Sullenberger would have never been able to pull off that miraculous landing without his right hand man, Capt. Skiles ! It’s due to calm quick thinking of this “team of two” that more than 100 souls walked away to live another day.

[@markg7963]

Jeff, you are not only an amazing testament to your profession, but also a great speaker! Thanks for both.

[@rbnn]

This guy is a really excellent speaker

[@JRobbySh]

More articulate than Sully, who is no slouch.,

[@stanleywilliams9915]

I see him as hero. His actions that day saved the lives of all onboard that airplane.

[@lexdad1193]

Jeff Skiles did his job. Kudos sir!

[@jaimhaas5170]

Imagine still having humor in the face of sheer terror--"got any other ideas" ---class act Sully and Skiles...

[@jaimhaas5170]

great comment!.......oh.....I see why!

[@jonlohrenz5446]

Flap your arms really hard?

[@tomr6955]

It wasn't humour.. at least that's what Sully said

[@bogdan_n]

Search Al Haynes (captain of United Airlines flight 232, july 19, 1989) response to landing clearance. That was humor

[@davidmichael5573]

Bogdan N I believe his quote was “you expect us to land on a runway? yea ok”

[@mrsaskriders]

Very well spoken and very capable person this Jeff is. I was absolutely glued to his talk and I thank him for his time. Thankful that these people were in the air and saved the flight and all the passengers.

[@michaelloswijk8873]

You are a great story teller mr Skiles. !!

[@rodrigoa.cabrales7071]

All my respect to Mr. Skiles and, of course, to Cap. Sully.

[@Cdot2]

Captian Chesley Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles. Real life superheroes. I hope these two men never have to buy another drink in their lives.

[@ms.sherlock]

Amazing pilot, a humble man.

[@jerichobeach2967]

I like that he too had a cool head in this emergency. He didn’t panic he did what sully needed he’s been a captain himself.

[@JimmysTractor]

Definitely a top 10- "Where were you when" event of a lifetime.

[@alexs3187]

I can’t think of many. Princess Diana’s death Sept 11 Sully I’m sure if I were more politically aware in the 80s, I’d add the Berlin Wall coming down

[@missVmilne]

You nailed it Jeff Sykes. You're part of a unique team of exceptional professionals. So grateful for your experience and insight. Thank you for sharing.

[@rem672]

Skiles*

[@mikeryan9184]

Mclean Milne

[@coradray1]

Mclean Milne a

[@esalva1948]

Very well presented and extremely informative. Well done Mr. Skiles.

[@Phillijr100]

Great speaker even better pilot👍

[@Dirk-van-den-Berg]

My thoughts exactly! He is very, very eloquent. So is Sully.

[@imadickens3337]

If they were both flying the aircraft I was on, I might actually get on a plane again!

[@endwood]

I really feel for this guy, he was pretty much left out of the room when the fame was handed out! He's the real hero here by not allowing himself to be made a spectacle of in the early days:-)

[@olgaharris1103]

I’m sure he got his share of appreciation! Sully is good at sharing the light.

[@patriciawickholm3617]

I had heard a lot about the landing but hadn't heard the details of the evac. Amazing stuff.

[@henrikarboejensen812]

This is maybe the most sympathetic person in the universe. First class.

[@dancolley4208]

CMS (crew/cockpit management syetem) is a Godsend for the flying public. There were a thousand ways this could have ended differently. It ended well because the flight deck crew worked together as a team. I heard Jeff talking about silence on the cockpit voice recorder. This is one sign that they had trained hard on CMS and excessive conversation was not necessary. A miracle? Sure ... partly ... but teamwork and dedication were the human factors at work that got that aircraft safely in the Hudson River, floating rightside up, without a single serious injury.

[@imadickens3337]

Working together as a team is often a miracle in itself!

[@111111111Tiger]

Thank you Jeff Skiles for sharing your side of the event.

[@lynharrod5087]

Having watched 3 long clips of this event on U Tube just now, in concession, It leaves me feeling even more astounded about the sheer brilliance of these two pilots who had no time in which to look at a manual, or ask anyone else to make the split second decisions that were required.The combined flying hours of them both which was vast, the absolute calm and controlled execution of every maneuver, right down to the fuselage remaining in tact. Not to mention the skill Scully demonstrated in keeping the plane horizontal to the surface without even the nose of the plane dipping into the water nose down. I also watched the Letterman interview with all the crew. It remains an act of God...All of the components, right down to there being no water craft in the way of that miracle landing.The crews handling of the passengers,Essentially every single thing went beyond any training capabilities.They ALL used every ounce of logic,instinct,sheer guts,and total focus on survival of everyone on the aircraft...SHEER BRILLIANCE!!! and no doubt, life changing!! You are all an absolute miracle!! Congratulations and gratitude seem hardly adequate.

[@lynharrod5087]

9.2.2020. (Above.)

[@lynharrod5087]

@Jimmy Valentine Yes Jimmy I concur.. Not nice to experience for anyone. BUT look at the miracle of the entire drama. We know, very few planes go through all of that particular, potentially fatal, 'flight path' and crash landing on the river, of a major waterway. River...... Servicing one of the biggest cities in the world. If not THE biggest. A miracle? For sure!! They were all blessed to 'walk' away' and tell such a dramatic and unbelievable true account of their ordeal. To the disbelieving world! I think the word for me is..'SURREAL'.

[@morningtrees2090]

Thank you for this upload. He seems like such a nice man. But he and Scully are what I grew up thinking pilots are like!

[@chriscooper7642]

What a guy, Jeff Skiles. From my hometown in Wisconsin!

[@krissackett1085]

His wife us from my hometown in WI, also!

[@krissackett1085]

*is

[@Howitz759]

my left ear feels neglected

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

yeah, the audio is painful.

[@Wonders_of_Reality]

Well, you can download it and edit, but that’s a bit of work. I was going to make a joke about the first officer being on the right side but decided that it’s not funny.

[@sweetcanada17]

Wonders of Reality - how do I download KZbin videos to my iPhone?

[@Wonders_of_Reality]

@@sweetcanada17 Just google for “download video from KZbin”. The site prepares the link. Be aware of their misleading advertisement! This works on PC. May work on your phone. Sorry, can’t test it myself-I don’t have a mobile phone.

[@flowroll777]

@@Wonders_of_Reality Decent premise though. lol

[@StefanGR]

Well done Jeff, and you sounds just as pro as my first officer Ulf on SK751 in 1991 - Hope one day to meet you and Sullenberger... Kind Regards Former Capt. S.G. Rasmussen, Denmark

[@dougerrohmer]

I salute you Captain Rasmussen. Both engines out on takeoff, and everyone survived. And you play a mean sax, sir, and can sing too!

[@StefanGR]

Thank you Douger Rohmer... I do my best, and did my best! - My biggest wisch is one day to have a chat with Sully and Jeff - I do think we have something in common beside our incidents ;-)

[@dougerrohmer]

I hope that happens!

[@kamillastaunsbjerg8322]

gonzosax det kan jeg godt forstå du vil. Håber det lykkedes for dig. :)

[@gabrielcox3167]

Well done, sir.

[@Tina06019]

Sully and Skiles. Every time I worked in an Emergency Department, I knew it could become the worst day of my life in a minute or two. So much would depend on who I was working with that day.

[@takumi2023]

i finally found something from jeff skiles thanks for sharing that story even though everyone focused on the captain.

[@barbarairwin4369]

I,shall never "forget ",this !! How,it played out,and all the lives that were saved! Both,pilot's will always have my highest respect !!

[@arongatt]

GREAT PILOTS

[@jakemeoff0387]

Wow Jan. 15th 2009 was my wife's 30th B Day. I do remember that beautiful day, and also watching the news wit miracle on the Hudson.

[@barefooboy17]

I think Mr. Skiles deserves more credit than he got. Nothing to take away from Sully, but Jeff certainly can hold his own in the cockpit for sure

[@ForeverAlansGirl]

Mr Skiles, I just wanted to thank you and Captain Sullenberger for saving everyone on your plane that day. You are both heros!! Love to you both from me in Canada. ✈✈

[@MJ-hope]

Oh, it was a miracle, trust me ! real Angels were guiding that plane !

[@jeannebeverly1244]

Very brave, skilled pilots.

[@ExbotHero]

Really interesting piece! Surprised this doesn't have more views (after five years). Jeff Skiles tells this story very well! Thanks!

[@tntkop]

Glad to see Jeff Skiles get the recognition he deserves and to a degree, the recognition that was passed over. I'm confident he does not seek the limelight, but no one wants to be slighted. The important thing is that he and the entire crew, as well as all the passengers on the aircraft, deserve due recognition for surviving that forced water landing.

[@michellehillman6049]

How enlightening and interesting. I can't imagine the stress. So grateful for the experience and knowledge they drew from to survive this harrowing event.

[@dr.jackkevorkian1119]

Whole crew did such a great job. The passengers staying calm , they even did well. Respect Due to everyone onboard.

[@mikeyoungblood1706]

God Bless You Jeff, You got way less recognition than You should have.

[@r.scottmacleod4564]

For millions watching it was finally some good news to see amongst all the bad news and it was wonderful to have some tears of joy that day!

[@endwood]

It was obviously a team effort but everyone associated this incredible event with Sully, the movie, subsequent interviews. Jeff was equally amazing! There's a steering tiler on both sides of all Airbuses.

[@Petra44YT]

Very interesting! And it's so fortunate that he decided to fly as a co-pilot on that day.

[@jamesburns6687]

jeff,never undermine what you did pal,you was just as important as sully :) MASSIVE RESPECT jim from ENGLAND :)

[@mrbreez33]

Awesome story, Thanks for sharing. God bless Jeff and all.

[@LecanaldeMz]

Jeff (togheter with flight attendants, atcs, ferry crew and rescue people) is one of the "anonymous" heroes of this event. All the media and people were focused on Captain Sullenberger (because actually he landed the plane and it was an heroic feat). But, the thing that I like from this talk is that Jeff recognize the trayectory and talent of his captain. There isn't this kind of "ego war" about who was better and who was the hero and this kind of thing that happens when a team achieve something and there is one person who "take all the credit". The guy knew his place, what he did and what he contributed to do. Nothing less.

[@haleiwasteve8434]

You are a true American hero, Jeff.

[@justicemaake684]

Jeff and Sully did a tremendous job to save their crippled jet and the reason Sully is getting more credit is simply because he was the captain of that flight. As a captain he's responsible for the safety of the plane and that is why the NTSB in their reports were questioning every decision that Sully took and I didn't read anywhere where they're questioning Jeff's actions. Everyone who contributed to saving passengers on board is a hero.

[@shadowofsteel]

The concrete block answer at the end had me bust up laughing.

[@Amy-zb6ph]

I crashed a motorcycle and had trouble sleeping for years. It took me a long time to stop panicking every time I saw brake lights when I was in the car after that. When it first happened, I felt like a superhero because I was able to change my sliding trajectory enough to avoid the front wheel well of a pickup truck. It was only well after the fact that it started to really bother me, although I couldn't sleep from the adrenaline that night and probably a little bit from the pain since I ripped off my right acromioclavicular joint, lacerated my liver, and had road rash with a bunch of glass in it over much of my arms, legs, and my right boob (boobs do work as brakes apparently although I don't recommend it). Then, I had to go to one of my toughest quarters of college three days later. It was challenging. I wasn't at fault in the accident, but I had to fight really hard to prove that and everything about my character and life was called into question, plus the fact that a lot of people apparently assume that anyone riding a motorcycle is automatically at fault because motorcycles are dangerous. I eventually won my case but I only got over my PTSD after a lot of meditation. On the seventh year anniversary of the accident, I meditated for nine and a half hours and finally most of the symptoms of PTSD went away. I was never able to afford to pay for a surgery to repair my right arm so that still haunts me physically and sometimes mentally to this day. Accidents are hard, even if you do everything right and save yourself from all kinds of peril.

[@francoisnel5253]

The feeling of changing sliding trajectory after crashing a motorcycle is something I experienced a couple of times. Once even with shorts and a t shirt on, on a tar road at over 100 km/h. Another more pleasurable when I went down with a motard on a gravel road (this time wearing protection). Both times it kept me out of impact. The first time in peak time traffic from going under the wheels of oncoming vehicles and the second avoided hitting trees and rocks next to the road. Both times able to stand up and walk away.

[@lovedefeatsus]

Sorry to hear that and I hope in the long run you can heal completely sister. Thanks for your speech, i've always been scared of bikes and always refused to ride one; your speech helped me keeping myself in this track

[@caveyofmo]

Back in 1978, did the same thing, still paying for it! Glad your doing better!

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

Glad you made it okay Amy. I hit a car that turned in front of me. I hit the rear quarter panel. I flipped over the trunk, landed on the other side on my feat. I had a small dime size piece of flesh missing on my leg. My jeans did not have hole in them. I have never figured out what dug that check a flesh out or where it went. That was not quite 50 years ago. I was 16 years old and I was driving my Honda CL350. It was two days out of warranty. Other than bruises on my arms from breaking off the mirrors as I went over the handlebars I had no other injuries. Amy once again, I am very glad you survived your accident. PS the woman that turned in front of me was the mother of a friend of mine and my friend's name was Amy just spelled differently. God bless

[@lindadoerr7919]

You are an outstanding public speaker, Sir. I have had the pleasure of meeting Sully and hope someday to have the honor of shaking your hand.

[@mshappyapple8663]

Thank you so much for this, Jeff. It was great...……..you're a great speaker and seem like a genuine nice person.

[@helendavies72]

hero!!! yes you are!!

[@emmanuelsamaras8974]

It was a MIRACLE AND THANK ALMIGHTY GOD FOR SAVING ALL THOSE LIVES INCLUDING YOURS.

[@noormohamad1]

Always find it strange that God apparently had nothing to do with the situation happening in the first place. Must been on a break when the birds hit I guess.

[@tracyd4774]

Very awesome that Jeff came to share his story with AMA. Really great Jeff!

[@allisonthecat]

Very cool that Mr. Jeff Skiles lives in Madison WI I was born there but lived most my live in Milwaukee WI. Anyway I tip my hat to Mr Skiles as well because he had to help Sully navigate etc. We also have to mention the flight attendants helping the passengers land and get out of the plane all of them heros.

[@mimithemermaid3860]

He and Captain Sully often commend the cabin crew for their important role in evacuating the passengers.

[@malcolmwilliams862]

Mimi the Mermaid But the flight attendants had the stress of getting people off the plane safely.

[@schmegle1]

No one cares where you lived

[@user-ov6eb9bh4t]

Awesome and humble man. Met him when he brought "FIFI" (B-29) to London Airport (YXU).

[@rselby3797]

Both of these pilots, Sully, and Skiles, are both wonderful guys and have great humor!! Love them both and by the way; both are very nice looking men as well :)

[@joelquaintance9025]

Jeff, now we have the rest of the story and it is a GREAT STORY. You tell so well. Hats off.

[@olgaharris1103]

It’s amazing how much the actors look like the actual crew. 1st Officer SKILES is a true professional and complemented Captain Sully 👨‍✈️ to a tee! Clint Eastwood is a genius on how he directed this movie! ♥️❤️♥️!!!!