As someone said a vein of gold this thread. The primary reason i say that is here we have from the horses mouth the man that has experienced something we only ever practice in the Sim or read about in the QRH that coupled with the proximity to the ground. What i am saying is that i would love to know what went through his mind and the CRM and decisions that were made in that short period of time. Whate he felt he did well and what he felt mayeb could have been handled better, be it aircraft, crew, evac or company. The reason i ask is i know me and my crew will learn from this incident and its not often you have the opportunity to listen to what the guys on the spot thought and felt. God forbid any of us are in the position but given this experience i think we may all learn something from this gentleman.
As for spending more time with the family a wise old skipper once said to me when i was a newbie "No one ever sits on their deathbed wishing they had spent more time at work". Its a fine balance family vs flying ...
Pete you sound like a true gent and it was a sucessful outcome well done that Captain.