Listening to Channel 9 on September 11, 2001
#211
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Wayne, NJ USA
Programs: UA Million Miler, Lifetime United Club member
Posts: 2,174
My memory still gives me chills
So I was flying EWR to ORD on 9/11, and (shocking) we were slow to take off with the long line of AM traffic (including UA93, so for once a delay at EWR was a good thing).
As you should remember, Sept 11 was a picture perfect day. As we make the turn to take off, the pilot get on the intercom and makes a most unusual comment. I have never heard a pilot do this prior to or after 9/11.
"Folks, for those of you sitting on the right side of the plane, you will have a great view of the New York skyline".
Of course, jaded flyers ignored this quite random comment, little to know that a scant 20 minutes later, the New York skyline would never be the same again. It still makes me wonder why the pilot had the thought to say this, as if he somehow knew that something bad was going to happen.
As you should remember, Sept 11 was a picture perfect day. As we make the turn to take off, the pilot get on the intercom and makes a most unusual comment. I have never heard a pilot do this prior to or after 9/11.
"Folks, for those of you sitting on the right side of the plane, you will have a great view of the New York skyline".
Of course, jaded flyers ignored this quite random comment, little to know that a scant 20 minutes later, the New York skyline would never be the same again. It still makes me wonder why the pilot had the thought to say this, as if he somehow knew that something bad was going to happen.
#212
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
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Thanks for bumping this up as always. Can't believe it's been 16 years. Can't believe there is a whole generation now alive who hadn't even been born on 9/11 and are older than I was (12 almost 13) on that day.
#213
Join Date: Jul 2013
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I still remember my Mom waking me up that morning in California. It was about a week before I moved away to college so I was enjoying the last bit of time to sleep in. I actually went back to bed for a few hours after groggly looking at the TV.
Today I am flying EWR-SFO which is my first time flying on 9/11. 10 years living in NY each year it would still hang over my head when I would take the subway or think of potential things that could happen for an anniversary attack. Walking by the ESB an hour ago to meet a friend on his lunch break I had a similar "what if" feeling.
Today I am flying EWR-SFO which is my first time flying on 9/11. 10 years living in NY each year it would still hang over my head when I would take the subway or think of potential things that could happen for an anniversary attack. Walking by the ESB an hour ago to meet a friend on his lunch break I had a similar "what if" feeling.
#214
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 957
I've read this post just about every year. Wonderfully written, and just as chilling each time. I was friendly in college with one of the heroes on UA93. When I read his name as a victim and as one of the leaders, it was numbing....He was an athlete and a leader, and there are likely thousands of people still alive because of what he and his fellow passengers were able to accomplish in a matter of minutes.
My first son was born on 9/12/01. I would take the PATH into the WTC every morning, but my wife had begun early labor and asked me to stay close to home. I would've been in the WTC around 8:30 and likely out of harm's way....but I still can't shake it.
My first son was born on 9/12/01. I would take the PATH into the WTC every morning, but my wife had begun early labor and asked me to stay close to home. I would've been in the WTC around 8:30 and likely out of harm's way....but I still can't shake it.
#215
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,324
Just received this in the mail today (purchased online), 9/11/17.
“In my short tenure as United’s chairman and chief executive officer, I’ve observed a level of resilience among our employees that I’ve frankly not encountered anywhere else during my career. I’ve witnessed not only the strength of our employees’ commitment, but the warmth with with which they display it to our customers and each other. That heartfelt dedication, that resiliency, that steely determination to overcome all obstacles, is what makes me confident that we can rebuilt this company and live up to the promise our 75-year history.”
-John W. Creighton
March 8, 2002
-John W. Creighton
March 8, 2002
Last edited by tuolumne; Sep 11, 2017 at 7:41 pm
#216
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Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
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I read this thread every year. Still can't believe it's been so long since that day.
If you've never been, I highly recommend a visit to the UA 93 memorial in Shanksville. I flew out there in January and it was extremely moving.
If you've never been, I highly recommend a visit to the UA 93 memorial in Shanksville. I flew out there in January and it was extremely moving.
#220
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Southern California
Posts: 390
I had returned from my first European trip on 9/9/01. I thought that would be my first and last trip.
I have traveled every year since then domestically and internationally.
My office used to overlook SNA, I would often watch planes land and take off. The sight of a plane landing would fill me with joy and dreams of taking off to somewhere...anywhere. The plane had a smile.
Since 9/11/01, the face of a landing plane has turned in to an angry scowl.
I have traveled every year since then domestically and internationally.
My office used to overlook SNA, I would often watch planes land and take off. The sight of a plane landing would fill me with joy and dreams of taking off to somewhere...anywhere. The plane had a smile.
Since 9/11/01, the face of a landing plane has turned in to an angry scowl.