Jeppesen Plots Uncharted Territory With Commemorative Maps
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APEX Insight: The recent release of Sully sheds light on the major accomplishment of the crew of US Airways Flight 1549 on January 15, 2009. But Clint Eastwood wasn’t the first to honor the “Miracle on the Hudson.” Navigation solutions company Jeppesen captured the event on a commemorative chart – its most popular to date.
Charts and maps are an integral part of every pilot’s tool kit. Whether they’re bundled up in elastic bands, in binders in a “brain bag” briefcase, or displayed on an avionics system’s screen or tablet, these road-maps-in-the-sky provide pilots with the information and procedures needed for a safe flight.
Jeppesen, a Boeing Company, has been creating global navigation products for professional pilots for 80 years. In addition to enroute maps, the iconic Jepp Chart is used by pilots for the final approach phase to an airport. Jeppesen creates these charts for virtually every runway approach at every airport in the world.
Although the charts contain a wealth of information, much of it would be indecipherable to the average passenger. The charts include a safe, obstruction free route to the airport; star-shaped geographical fixes that are usually five letters long and created in a pronounceable way; and the minimum altitudes at which pilots must be to see the runway in order to continue to a safe landing.
Years ago, Jeppesen began making personalized charts that match the format of a regular approach chart to celebrate the retirements or contributions of people at the company or at its business partners. Then, in the early 2000s, a series of commemorative charts began to be released, honoring the aviation involvement of pilots Harrison Ford and Jimmy Buffett, and aviation icons like Bob Hoover and the WWII Tuskegee Airmen.
“Without a doubt, the most popular chart is the ‘Miracle on the Hudson,'” says Ted Thompson, corporate technical leader of Aeronautical Charts and Displays. Thompson has been with Jeppesen for over 40 years, and has created virtually all of the commemorative charts.
“There’s nothing humorous about an airplane ditching in the river,” admits Thompson. “I tried to be very respectful of commemorating the event and its significance, but I tried to add a little bit of flavor here and there.”
With the recent release of the movie Sully, we’ve been reminded of the “Miracle on the Hudson,” captured on this commemorative chart. From the “GOOSE” to the “RESCUE” fixes, and no available missed approach – ONLY ONE CHANCE – the chart celebrates and honors the remarkable accomplishments of the crew of US Airways Flight 1549 on January 15, 2009.