Fall and Rise: The Story of 9/11: A gripping biography of triumph over tragedy

by Mitchell Zuckoff

AT 9:42 A.M., five minutes after Flight 77 hit the Pentagon, FAA national operations manager Ben Sliney had seen enough. Determined to prevent any potential hijacking plots not yet hatched, he issued a second unprecedented, nationwide edict. “That’s it!” he cried. “I’m landing everyone!” Sliney ordered all FAA facilities nationwide to instruct every aircraft flying over the United States to land as quickly as possible at the nearest airport. He marched through the FAA command center and fielded questions from the forty-plus people on his staff, some of whom wondered if their building might be a target and whether the country was at war. Sliney had a direct answer: we’re safe, so let’s get to work. “Regardless of destination!” Sliney shouted. “Let’s get them on the ground!” Sliney’s emergency order to empty the skies would require compliance from 4,546 planes. It would take hours of effort and precise coordination on the ground and in the air. Ultimately, Sliney’s demand would be met by 4,545 of those planes. All but one.