After the mid-air collision last week of a PSA Airlines jet (AA 5342) and a Black Hawk helicopter, passengers are justifiably anxious about flying.
TikToker Leighton Mixon was on a recent American Airlines flight and captured a moving message from the pilot.
In the address, the pilot acknowledged the passengers' nervousness, honored those in his industry who perished in the crash, and gave a message of care and hope that brought tears to Mixon's eyes.
"...you may be fearful about flying, and that's certainly understandable."
"But just please know that my first officer and our flight attendants and myself place your safety and responsibility of carrying you to Miami—to families or vacations or to meetings—at the highest level."
"I have no higher calling than carefully and professionally transporting you today. So with that relax and enjoy the beautiful evening we get to fly in...Welcome aboard."
Commenters were moved to tears.
@daishamarie15/TikTok
@tracysevers/TikTok
@dee3936/TikTok
People were particularly moved by the "I have no higher calling" portion of the announcement.
@mahamaven/TikTok
@cece_larue30/TikTok
@vivianirie/TikTok
@thatgrlmell/TikTok
He responded to this moment in the history of American aviation and people's anxieties about it.
@iamkaren92
@thatone0214/TikTok
@marylucey_/TikTok
And it wasn't just one pilot. Others in the industry spoke up about their own experiences.
@skkyyyeeee11/TikTok
@leah_olea16/TikTok
The crash in D.C. was followed by another in Philadelphia involving a life flight returning a child home after surgery.
@PreetBharara/X
@RepBrendanBoyle/X
@twesq/Bluesky
@christopherharris/Bluesky
@evangelinewarren/X
@FrankC164/X
AMC