Who was the real pilot in the movie Flight?
The 2012 film Flight, directed by Robert Zemeckis, tells the story of Whip Whitaker, a commercial airline pilot who becomes a hero after landing a troubled plane safely. The movie explores the consequences of Whip’s actions and the subsequent investigation into the crash. But who was the real pilot that inspired the character of Whip Whitaker?
The Inspiration Behind Whip Whitaker
The real pilot who inspired the character of Whip Whitaker was Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, a former US Airways pilot who became famous for landing a commercial airliner on the Hudson River in 2009. Sully’s heroic actions saved the lives of all 155 people on board, making him an international hero.
The Real-Life Inspiration
Sully’s story is a remarkable one. On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 took off from New York’s LaGuardia Airport bound for Charlotte, North Carolina. Shortly after takeoff, the plane encountered a flock of geese, which disabled both engines. With no power and no safe place to land, Sully made the split-second decision to ditch the plane in the Hudson River.
The Miracle on the Hudson
The crash landing was a miracle. All 155 people on board survived, with only a few minor injuries. The incident was dubbed the "Miracle on the Hudson" and made international headlines.
The Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the crash, and Sully’s actions were hailed as heroic. The investigation found that Sully’s decision to ditch the plane in the river was the only option available, given the circumstances.
The Movie Flight
The movie Flight, starring Denzel Washington as Whip Whitaker, takes creative liberties with the story. While the film is inspired by Sully’s heroic actions, it is not a biographical account of his life. The movie explores the consequences of Whip’s actions, including his struggles with addiction and the subsequent investigation into the crash.
Comparison of Sully and Whip
Here is a comparison of Sully’s real-life actions and Whip’s fictional actions:
| Sully | Whip | |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Situation | Plane loses both engines due to bird strike | Plane encounters severe turbulence |
| Decision | Ditches plane in Hudson River | Lands plane safely, but with a critical error |
| Consequences | All 155 people on board survive | Plane crashes, killing everyone on board |
| Investigation | NTSB investigation finds Sully’s actions were heroic | FAA investigation finds Whip’s actions were reckless |
Conclusion
The real pilot who inspired the character of Whip Whitaker in the movie Flight is Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger. Sully’s heroic actions on January 15, 2009, saved the lives of all 155 people on board US Airways Flight 1549. While the movie Flight takes creative liberties with the story, it is inspired by Sully’s remarkable actions and the subsequent investigation into the crash.
Additional Reading
- "Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters" by Chesley Sullenberger and Jeffrey Zaslow
- "Miracle on the Hudson: The Extraordinary Story of Flight 1549" by Lynn D. Matthews
Sources
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- "Flight" (2012) movie
- "Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters" by Chesley Sullenberger and Jeffrey Zaslow
- "Miracle on the Hudson: The Extraordinary Story of Flight 1549" by Lynn D. Matthews
