I haven't seen this posted in the News section yet;


St. Charles pilot who helped save 184 dies of cancer - DailyHerald.com (http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120508/news/705089775/)


Capt Denny Fitch (69) passes away after fighting cancer.

I'll never forget watching the humanity of this man, so grief stricken that despite saving 184 lives, that people still died.

Smooth Skies to him, he surely deserves them.

Great Man.RIp:ok:

I can say with some confidence that close to 10,000 UK aviation personnel have seen Denny's (and the rest of the crews) post Sioux city interview and all the lessons it imparts.

A piloting masterclass and a nice legacy.

Smooth ride.

Having had the pleasure of hearing Denny's presentation on CRM in the early days after the crash it certainly drove home the point that using all available resources is a pilots duty to his/her passengers and crew. Capt. Al Haynes exemplified it in on that fateful day.

Denny Fitch was professionalism personified in aviation.

Gods speed!

I think, to say this man saved 184 lives is to do him, and his crew a disservice. In their heroic achievements and post event publicity, they helped to hammer home the lessons of CRM which has probably saved many many more than the 184 lives in the actual event over the years.

Smooth skies. RIP.

What sad news?

This man is an inspiration to us all. Many owe their lives to him and his colleagues on that fateful day. I hope that one day if I'm ever tested in that fiery furnace, I will do even half as well as they did.

God bless.

Dear Mods, shouldn't this be better housed in "Where are they now" ? maybe find a wider audience of those interested to know ?

Regards





Edited to say " Cheers" :ok: for the move.

He's only just died, the post only just made and its moved from News (to what it is in my humble opinion) to History & Nostalgia.......Honestly Mods?!:suspect:

RIP he was a great man

"Your attitude determines your altitude"

A quote from Captain Fitch that every student, Instructor, First Officer and Captain should never forget.

Classic example of an Aviator. RIP.

Take some time for yourself and watch this:

One hell of a tale (part 1) - YouTube

R.I.P. Denny

A truly great man and a great pilot.

From the early accounts of the accident, I knew he had pulled off the impossible. To hear the story in his own voice-was even more inspiring.

Makes the actors, sports heros, rock stars, and politicians pale into insignificance. He was a true American Hero. The kind you would like your kids to emulate.

RIP Denny.

Doesn't really matter if you are in the industry or not. His eloquence, his humility, his humanity, all shine. Truly humbling, and life affirming. Thanks to Sikpilot for the link. Not ashamed to say that i cried during that.

He made us believe that nothing is lost, fight until the end.

You are an example of PILOT and a true proof that we must be kept in the cockpit not replaced by some computers.

Wishing a safe journey on your eternal flight.

A totally inappropriate place on these forums for this thread, the moderators should have a rethink and give the man the respect he deserves.

I and no doubt a few others think that the actions of this man saved lives and demonstrated a level of skil and airmanship that most of us can only aspire too.

Sioux City was probably the first aircraft accident I was aware of as a kid and took interest in. Always took the time to watch every single video/documentary about it. As mentioned above, the accident, despite the resultant loss of life, still serves as one of the best examples of cockpit CRM in history.

Thank you, sikpilot for posting that link. I too cried when I watched it. Truly inspirational and a reminder of the privilege and responsibility we have in being professional pilots.
What a pilot and a gentleman. RIP.
Please lets have this in a leading place on the forum. It may well save more lives one day.

RIP Captain Fitch.

Thank you for the link and yes I did watch all 6 parts… Amazing to say the least.

I could feel his sorrow and all of his emotions in that documentary… Truly a great man and pilot.

Much respect to Captain Fitch - and a shining example to all aviators.

Mods - this should be a sticky at the top of the main forum.

Thanks for the link, Sikpilot. I hadn't heard of it before.

An outstanding film about an outstanding pilot. Much better and more informative than the "Aircrash ..." video on Discovery Channel.

A great pilot and an inspirational human being, so sad to hear this news, condolences to his family, so so sad....

I've long been fascinated, and been a huge advocate of CRM, even though I work outside the industry. I used the story of the Sioux City crash in a lecture recently, to impress on the audience the importance of communication, and problem solving as a team.

These guys made a difference far beyond that day.

Captain Denny Fitch, a legend amongst not just aviators but human beings. What he did that fateful day will live on forever. He will not be forgotten and is a to me an inspiration.

RIP

Just read the obituary of Dennis Fitch. He was a check pilot deadheading who helped out with the loss of control due a rear engine explosion which took out all the hydraulics. He used thrust to get the aircraft into a sort of landing. Saved at least half the pax lives. Plenty of videos etc about the accident.

DT obit here....

Dennis Fitch - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/9288496/Dennis-Fitch.html)

This thread has already been running since 09 May on "Where Are They Now".

No problem. Just letting ppruners know the obit has appeared in a national UK daily.

Not everyone looks in "where are they now" so i think it's good the 4G's posted it here. I think what Denny Fitch achieved at Soux city is still something to shout about. RESPECT!

The skill and approach to problem solving of that DC-10 crew were one of the things that got me into flying, and I am not alone.

A suitable epitaph?:

He made the runway.

RIP

A consummate professional who never gave up and did his best right to the end. If ever we have an "Aviation Hall Of Fame", Captain Denny Fitch ought to be the first to be so honoured.

RIP and well done, sir!

I have heard about United Airlines Flight 232 before but saw the documentary for the first time. What a great Guy!

RIP Capt.