Robert Piché
Robert Piché is a retired Canadian airline pilot best known for captaining Air Transat Flight 236, which made an emergency glide landing in the Azores in 2001 after running out of fuel.
Robert Piché is a retired Canadian airline pilot known for the emergency landing of Air Transat Flight 236. He glided an Airbus A330 to safety after both engines failed over the Atlantic.
What it is
On August 24, 2001, Piché captained Air Transat Flight 236 from Toronto to Lisbon. The aircraft suffered fuel exhaustion over the Atlantic, losing power in both engines. Together with first officer Dirk de Jager, Piché glided the Airbus A330 to a safe landing at Lajes Base in the Azores, Portugal. All 293 passengers and 13 crew survived.
Why it matters
The incident is often cited as one of aviation’s most remarkable non-powered landings. Piché’s skill and composure under extreme pressure saved everyone on board, drawing international attention. He later became a public speaker and media figure, contributing to aviation safety discussions. The event remains a landmark case in modern commercial aviation.
Key details
Robert Piché was born in Quebec on November 5, 1952, and worked in commercial aviation before joining Air Transat. After the 2001 emergency, he retired from flying but remained active as a speaker and documentary subject. His legacy is tied to the Azores landing, which is widely studied in aviation training and remembered as a Canadian achievement.
In short
- Captain of Air Transat Flight 236 in 2001
- Safely glided Airbus A330 after fuel exhaustion
- No casualties among 306 people on board
- Became a public speaker on aviation safety
Piché is a Canadian aviation figure from Quebec, and his role in the Air Transat Flight 236 emergency is a notable part of Canadian aviation history.
Quick questions
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Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Pich%C3%A9Supports: Birth date, nationality, pilot career, and role in Air Transat Flight 236.
- ICAO TV — https://www.icao.tv/videos/flight-ts236-twenty-years-after-with-captain-robert-picheSupports: Description of the Flight TS236 emergency, fuel exhaustion, glide to Lajes Airport, and timing of the event.
- Air Transat Experience — https://experience.transat.com/robert-piche-air-transat/Supports: Robert Piché's legacy at Air Transat, final flight, and long-term association with the airline.
- Robert Piché — https://robertpiche.com/en-ca/index.htmlSupports: Biographical details, public-speaking role, and description of the Flight 236 emergency.