National Flight Simulator in NH helps pilot prepare for the worst

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- The captain at the helm of a Southwest flight is being called a hero for her actions while landing the plane when one of its engines exploded.

Passengers say the former Navy fighter pilot kept her cool and guided the plane to safety under the worst possible circumstances.

The National Flight Simulator in Manchester, New Hampshire is designed to teach local pilots how to handle the exact same kind of situation.

“What we spend a lot of time doing, especially if it's a multiengine airplane, is what to do when an engine fails,” flight instructor and founder of the training facility Steve Cunningham said.

>>RELATED: Passengers praise Southwest pilot for having ‘nerves of steel’ during emergency

Federal investigators say a crack on the inside of the left engine caused it to fail and shoot debris back at the plane; killing one woman and injuring seven others.

Cockpit audio from the scare at 30,000 feet captures a cool and collected captain speaking in a matter-of-fact manner.

It’s a response that’s now drawing praise, but was born from years of training.

“The cabin crew did a remarkable job under extreme circumstances,” Cunningham said. “Absolutely, it was the epitome of cool. She was a military pilot.”

Southwest Airlines says Tammie Jo Shults had nerves of steel and that she even checked on all of them after the plane had safely landed.

TOP STORIES:

Cox Media Group