Piché is best known for performing a deadstick landing of an Airbus A330 ( C-GITS ) in the Azores in 2001 . He glided the Airbus A330 longer than any commercial aircraft in history , and landed at an airport on a remote island with limited navigation instruments . He was able to successfully land the plane ( with only 8 blown tires ) with only a few injuries among the crew and 306 passengers . In a response to a reporter 's question regarding heroism , Mr. Piché stated '' I do n't consider myself a hero , sir . I could have done without this . '' Canada 's other successful landing of a fuel-starved aircraft was Air Canada Flight 143 ( the " Gimli Glider " ) in 1983 , and '' Vanity Fair '' mentioned Piché 's flight when it covered the successful water landing of US Airways Flight 1549
US Airways Flight 1549
US Airways Flight 1549
Robert Piché