EAA speaker series features heroism, history

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) hosted its vice president at the organization’s Museum Speaker Series Event on Thursday, Jan. 16 at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh.

First Officer Jeff Skiles

Jeff Skiles, vice president of the EAA, gave a speech entitled: “Miracle on the Hudson.” The speech focused on Skiles’ role in the forced landing of US Airways Flight 1549 in January 2009. Skiles, who was first officer of the plane’s crew, helped avert disaster after the plane collided with a flock of geese shortly after taking off from LaGuardia Airport in New York City. The crew managed to land the plane into the Hudson River, saving the lives of every passenger onboard.

Future presentations for the EAA’s Museum Speaker Series Event, all free and held at 7 p.m. include:

Feb. 20: “The Story of Lady Be Good,” with Dick Campbell
March 20: “Bob Shank – Pioneer American Pilot,” with Fred Stadler
April 17: “History of the B-17,” with Sean Elliott
May 15: “Landing a C-97 at Dodgeville,” with Tom Thomas

–Sean Lyons