More Details about the Deceased Pilot

The pilot of Continental Flight 61 has been identified at Craig Lenell by several news outlets. Lenell, age 60, lived on a farm outside Houston with his wife and more than 32 years of flying experience. A third pilot is required onboard all flights in excess of eight hours, and was certainly useful in this circumstance.

Continental has had a bit of bad luck in the news in the last few days. We don’t think Captain Lenell’s unfortunate death is a negative reflection on the airline. Everything was dealt with professionally, and they can turn it into a PR boon to them.