[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 129 (Thursday, July 31, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               FLIGHT 458

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 2008

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, flying the friendly skies seems to be 
increasingly out of reach for most travelers. I, like many other 
Americans, am a frequent flyer and have been fortunate enough to have 
always arrived at my destination safely. Because of the quick action of 
pilots Captain David Skidmore, 1st Officer Michael Nelson Jr. and the 
crew of Continental flight 458 on July 22, 2008 this statement still 
holds true. Captain David Skidmore, has worked for Continental Airlines 
for seven years and recently completed his Captain's training in 
December of 2007. 1st Officer Michael Nelson Jr. has been with 
Continental since May 2008.
   When our plane suddenly lost altitude and cabin pressure on Tuesday 
afternoon, the pilots regained control of the aircraft without 
hesitation. As I, along with the 117 other people, including 6 other 
members of Congress, aboard the D.C.-bound flight from Houston, TX put 
on our oxygen masks we imagined the possibilities. While the plane took 
a steep dissent at rapid speed, Captain David Skidmore and 1st Officer 
Michael Nelson Jr. remained calm under the pressure.
   Although faced with a possibly dire situation, the pilots were able 
to safely make an emergency landing in New Orleans. We landed with the 
fire trucks lining the runway-just like in the movies. From the time 
when our flight began experiencing difficulties to when we were on the 
ground 20 minutes later, the pilots and crew flawlessly executed their 
emergency procedures. Continental Airlines made travel arrangements for 
all 117 passengers and put us on three different flights to D.C. We 
arrived in Washington about six hours later. The members of Congress 
did miss votes however. Ironically, one bill was to upgrade aviation 
safety. The bill passed unanimously without the missing seven members 
of Congress. No doubt, if present I would have voted yes on this bill 
H.R. 6493.
   The pilot's combined experience, along with the flight crew's quick 
action, is truly commendable. I am fortunate, as a passenger, to have 
been in the care of such capable pilot's as Captain David Skidmore, and 
1st Officer Michael Nelson Jr.
   And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________