USAF pilot helps in airline emergency

[K1052]

That's the most relevant link. I found the audio pretty cool.

The USAF guy obviously played a needed role. Beyond that, who knows. If the OP article is correct about the engines throttling down to idle (does that risk 'flameout' or whatever at altitude?), the copilot was obviously in distress, no?

Means they're probably landing because something is wrong. He didn't figure out what until they asked if there were any doctors then non-rev pilots on board.

 

[LTC8K6]

That's the most relevant link. I found the audio pretty cool.

The USAF guy obviously played a needed role. Beyond that, who knows. If the OP article is correct about the engines throttling down to idle (does that risk 'flameout' or whatever at altitude?), the copilot was obviously in distress, no?

He heard the FO begin the procedure to divert to Eppley Field. Throttle back, descend, and turn.

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/UAL1637/history/20131231/0116Z/KDSM/KDEN

You can see the turn around.