Earwood

Even so, Earwood, almost instinctively, picks up his handset to respond.

Touching History Lynn Spencer 2008

When his passengers have deplaned, Earwood walks over to talk to the group, eager to tell them about his experience and the fire at the World Trade Center.

Touching History Lynn Spencer 2008

After several minutes of staring at the inferno, Earwood comments to Fjelstad, who has remained totally silent, “I am sure they are getting everyone out of there.”

Touching History Lynn Spencer 2008

“Midex 7 is with you out of 7 for 4,000,” Earwood replies, thoroughly flustered, yet sticking to protocol that requires him to give his current and assigned altitude when checking in with a new controller.

Touching History Lynn Spencer 2008

The more the group acts as though everything is normal, the more Earwood feels as though he is stuck in a Twilight Zone episode.

Touching History Lynn Spencer 2008

Earwood interrupts her to call out the information to the others on the jetway.

Touching History Lynn Spencer 2008

Now, after an otherwise easy flight, Earwood wonders if he has a broken airplane on his hands.

Touching History Lynn Spencer 2008

They enter a vacant terminal and must pass through an extensive screening before being escorted to their gate, where two Port Authority police officers accompany Earwood down to the aircraft.

Touching History Lynn Spencer 2008

The controller gives them instructions for flying over the airport, and Earwood looks down to see what appears to be a traffic jam of airplanes on the ramp.

Touching History Lynn Spencer 2008

Earwood looks out the cockpit to see huge black holes in the World Trade Center towers and large pieces of glass and debris falling off.

Touching History Lynn Spencer 2008