Cory Lidle Killed

Cory Lidle, the ex-Phillies pitcher who piloted the small plane that struck a New York high-rise Wednesday afternoon, killing himself and at least one other, earned his license eight months ago, according to a New York Times feature article.

After watching how easily friends could travel if they piloted their own craft, he earned his license last off-season, and bought a four-seat Cirrus SR20.

Instructor Tyler Stanger told The Times:

"Most people get kind of ruffled," Stanger said. "He was like, 'O.K., no big deal.' A lot of it is his mental state.

"On the mound, he has to hold in all the emotions and keep completely focused. It's the same thing flying: If you're in an emergency, you can't waste any time worrying. You have to take command of the situation. A lot of people I fly with don't have that mentality. Cory does."

Lidle, 34, is married. The couple has a six-year-old son. ESPN is reporting his wife had taken a commercial flight, heading to their California home. He reported fuel problems within a minute of lifting off from the Teterboro Airport in Northern New Jersey, the network reported. Lidle was flying above the East River when the plane veered from its path.

The plane struck a 50-story condo tower in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said it was lucky that so few people were in the building around 2:45 p.m.

Yes, well, on the days he's flying, it's almost a coin flip as to know if the plane is going to fly at 100 percent.

Hooboy, do I feel their pain. Our family's just been through a similar tragedy. Rest In Peace, Bob. I wish the same for Cory Lidle.

R.I.P Corey from St. Louis.

This is a tragic day in the Varela family.  Corey was my brother-in-law's nephew, by marriage.  Corey's wife, Melanie nee: Varela, is my brother-in-law's niece.
Rest in peace, Corey.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families.

Wow, this sucks

R.I.P. Cory Lidle. I will miss you for life..... you are my idle.....