Airchats with AirmacsThe Miracle of Speedbird9 - How a Quick-Thinking Pilot Saved Hundreds of Lives with Captain Eric Moody
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We have a small problem. All four engines have stopped. We are doing our damnedest to get them going again. I trust you are not in too much distress.” Those were the words of today’s guest, Captain Eric Moody all the way back on the 24th of June 1982 as he found himself at the helm of British Airways Flight 009, desperately trying to save the lives of the 248 passengers and 15 crew members on board. Find out all about this incredible story from the man himself as well as his life and lasting love of aviation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Eric's fascination with aviation started in his childhood. As a teenager in the late 1950s, he learned to fly at the Hampshire Flying School and kept his pilot's licence active through self-funded flight hours
- After undergoing surgery to fix a deviated septum that initially disqualified him from commercial piloting, Eric was hired by British Airways in the early 1960s. Over the next two decades, he progressed through roles on various aircraft like the de Havilland Comet and Boeing 707, eventually becoming a captain on the Boeing 747.
- Eric Moody was the captain of British Airways Flight 9 that encountered a volcanic ash cloud from Mount Galunggung in Indonesia on June 24, 1982. All four of the Boeing 747's engines flamed out after flying through the ash cloud, leaving the plane and its 248 passengers stranded high above the Indian Ocean.
- The "Jakarta Incident," earned Eric prestigious honours including a Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air. However, he expressed disappointment that the aviation industry did not utilise his expertise on volcanic hazards to improve safety protocols. Eric believes pilots should be free thinkers and decision-makers, not just procedure followers.
BEST MOMENTS
‘I told my mother at the age of three, I was going to be a pilot’
‘We set off half an hour late, and that half an hour was very significant’
‘I went up onto the flight deck, and there was the most beautiful display of St. Elmo's fire all over the windscreen’
‘We were proud possessors of the world's heaviest, largest glider’
ABOUT THE GUEST
Captain Eric Moody is a distinguished British pilot, renowned for his exceptional skill and composure during the infamous British Airways Flight 9 incident in 1982. With a background in the Royal Air Force, Moody joined British Airways in 1965. On June 24, 1982, he captained Flight 9, navigating the Boeing 747 through volcanic ash, causing a complete engine failure. Despite the harrowing circumstances, Moody's expertise and calm demeanour led to a successful emergency landing in Jakarta. His remarkable airmanship and leadership have left an indelible mark on aviation history.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
Welcome to Airchats with Airmacs, a series that opens doors to reveal the captivating stories of aviation professionals. Join us, your hosts from Airmacs Aviation, the air transport specialists, as we embark on a journey through the skies and into the lives of the people who keep the aviation industry soaring.
We sit down with industry experts to explore their unique experiences, challenges, and insights. From navigating the complexities of air travel to the innovations shaping the future of flight.
Buckle up for a behind-the-scenes look at the human side of aviation & business. Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just curious about the world above the clouds, Airchats with Airmacs is your ticket to a diverse range of perspectives within the dynamic world of aviation. Welcome aboard!
ABOUT THE HOST
Introducing Sam Macadam, your seasoned host on Airchats with Airmacs. With many years in the aviation industry, Sam is not just an enthusiast but a distinguished air charter specialist, making him a go-to authority in the field. His extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in air charter set him apart, having achieved several industry firsts through innovative thinking and meticulous planning.
As the founder of Airmacs Aviation, Sam brings a unique perspective to the show, emphasising not only the technical aspects of aviation but also the importance of personalised customer service and the well-being of industry associates. His commitment to excellence and passion for sharing untold stories make Airchats with Airmacs a must-listen for anyone seeking a genuine and insightful exploration of the aviation world. Join Sam as he takes you on a journey through the skies, unravelling the tales that make aviation truly remarkable.
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