Co-pilot
Posted on Feb 17, 2010
One year ago last month, the name Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger was etched into the history books and added to the common lexicon. The captain’s miraculous landing of a powerless Airbus 320A on the Hudson River saved the lives of all 150 passengers and crew. This January, Captain Sully was the Grand Marshall for the 121st Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA.
God is My Co-pilot was a World War II movie made in 1945; most of us are more familiar with the slogan, bumper sticker or band of the same name. Leaving aside the issue of human ego placing God in Seat 2, the obvious conclusion is that co-pilots are indispensable! However, (God being the exception) co-pilots are rarely known by name and even more rarely celebrated. Jeff Skiles was also at the controls of that famous US Airways Airbus when it glided onto the Hudson. My guess is that he too played an essential role as the plane dropped toward the water below!
The world has celebrated Marie Curie, Mother Teresa, Henry Ford, Ben Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Charles Drew, George Carver and Albert Einstein; rightly so. Regardless, none of these great men and women flew solo. For each Martin Luther in the glow of notoriety, there is a Philip Melanchthon. It was Rev. Melanchthon whose quiet reflection, scholarship and discretion strengthened and emboldened the loquacious Martin Luther. It is Philip Melanchthon buried in Wittenberg Chapel beside his more notorious friend. Although, few recall the names of such hidden heroes, it makes them no less important in life or history.
Although more contemporary singers made Roger Whittaker’s, You Are The Wind Beneath My Wings famous, the words and original recording are his. The song is a celebration of the hidden heroes who occupy the seat of “co-pilot.” Where are you located today? Are you a pilot or a co-pilot, on stage or in the wings, bigger than life or feeling a tad littler? Celebrate your gifts and remember, on January 14, 2009 only a select few had ever heard of a man named Chesley B. Sullenberger!
