Air Force Crosses have been awarded to feats of airmanship where a pilot has saved his own aircraft, so why not to someone who has saved someone else's aircraft AND life? Obviously not up to me to decide, but for my 2p's worth I would say it would be deserved.

This is truly awesome, as others have said amidst a climate of generally adverse news we have a heartwarming and inspiring story of the brotherhood of aviation, and that even in dire circumstances a combination of skill, professionalism and maintaining one's cool, can lead to a positive outcome.

Well done to all!

It sounded like an airborne version of the SRA, just goes to show that these should be retained for the odd situation that may arise when they would have been perfect for guiding him down.

When I was learning my instructor took us to Manston to do some SRA's and on one he suggested that I did not look outside till he said, so I carried on listening and following exactly the instructions till they terminated and I was about 10 feet off the runway lined up perfectly in landing configuration. Just a case of flaring to carry out the landing. I always vowed that this would be where I would go if the weather clagged out but of course it is not available there any more. Shame, it was a great safety cushion.

Well done to all involved, and no I don't think a medal would be out of the question. Just what sort of medal?

From the sounds of it, they'd already tried to talk him down a few SRAs or PARs, any kind of instrument approach is going to be tricky if you can't see the instruments, or the runway from DH/MDH. In fact, without being able to read the altimeter, an SRA would be seriously limited - azimuth corrections only.

True, it was a while ago, sorry

Two newspapers today give the altitude as 15000 ft. Yesterdays TV coverage gave the altitude as 5000 feet.:hmm::hmm: Was he breathing O2 at the higher altitude?

Well done to everyone involved..especially to Mr O'Neill for keeping his cool. I wish him a speedy recovery.
Having been in a similar talkdown situation myself some years ago, I can honestly say that when a pilot lets it be known that they are in difficulty, ATC\D&D become the best friends you could ever wish for, their calm and very professional voice in your earphones is so,so reassuring at this time, leaving you in no doubt whatsoever that you have their full and undivided attention and that everything possible will be done to get you safely down on the ground..or in my case, water!
If there are any medals to be handed out..don't forget the controller\s:ok:

Praise where due
 

Well said LA4200, you have hit the nail on the head with your comments.
A "bravo zulu" to all concerned. May professionalism reign.:ok: