CBS 60 MINUTES STORY ON U.S. AIRWAYS FLIGHT 1549

When U.S. Airways Flight 1549 made the emergency ditching in the Hudson River shortly after takeoff on January 15, 2009, the crew managed to safely evacuate all 155 people on board in a matter of minutes, an event now known as "The Miracle on the Hudson."  CBS 60 Minutes aired a Katie Couric interview with the entire crew of Flight 1549 this past Sunday.  If you missed any part of this interview please go to http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4784010 to learn about the professionalism of the crew and see the flight attendants proudly displaying their AFA pins.  The crew of Flight 1549 will also appear on Larry King Live Tuesday, February 10, at 9:00 p.m. EST.

AFA-CWA, the union representing U.S. Airways flight attendants, was instrumental in redirecting the media's attention to the safety professionalism and heroism of the entire crew of five instead of the initial spotlight placed solely on Captain Sullenberger.  AFA-CWA represents more than 55,000 aviation safety professionals working for 27 carriers and provides organizational support through groups such as EAP and Air Safety Committees.  AFA-CWA assisted federal investigators in gathering information related to policies and procedures following the emergency evacuation.  AFA-CWA was also selected to participate in the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.  A U.S. Airways flight attendant said it best that "as flight attendants and brothers and sisters of AFA-CWA, this incident makes our bond even stronger."

Thanks to the AFA-CWA umbrella, support and assistance are available to flight attendants that otherwise just would not be there.  AFA-CWA should be recognized for all their efforts in advancing the flight-attendant career and serving as a voice for us in the media and on Capitol Hill.