AIRTRAN pilot let us see shuttle lift off!

[kjs1976]

Can't believe I forgot to post this!

Our flight for Atlant left MCO at 1:42PM on Tues. 7/4. We were hoping to see the shuttle on one of the original lift off days, but it never happened. We were disappointed we would be in the air and not get to see it.

The pilot came over the speaker to say he was given clearance to make a right turn at a certain vector so that we were able to see the lift off. It was off of the right side of the plane where we were seated! A passenger behind us said to turn to CNN on our free XM satillite radio and we could hear the countdown. So we did and sure enough, we were able to see it! It was soooooo awesome! But it was very quick...the CNN announcer said it travels at 2600 MPH! We were so grateful to the pilot!!!! It was a once in a life time experience we will never forget!

 

[shoegirl1020]

Wow! That must have been awesome!

 

[DrmWvr1299]

I love Air Tran

 

[ttfn3]

We had this happen on a flight we took several years ago. We flew Delta out of Tampa. It was SO cool. It was a late afternoon launch - so it was getting dark. The pilot turned the plane so we could get a look. Luckily, we were sitting on the correct side of the plane. It's one of my all time very favorite memories!!!

 

[chicknoodle99]

I actually saw a lift off at Kennedy Space Center a few years ago, but seeing it from an airplane would have been neat! It is such an awesome experience to see one..and from the plane would have been even better! I am glad that you were able to see it..it is a once in a lifetime event I am sure!

 

[siouxi31]

That is very cool and something that I had never thought would be possible from a plane!

I love it when pilots point out landmarks, tell us where we are, and give some factual detail.

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

That sounds awesome, I wish something like that could happen for a flight I'm on!