As it happens, his film had a strong influence on my life - I went on to become an airline pilot, so it was wonderful after so many years to see it again. As one of the first films of this type one has to remember that many of the cliches of later "disaster" films originated with this one. The tension created in this small space is astonishing. Technically there are one or two minor lapses but these do not detract from the drama. Robert Stack's character is particularly truthfully drawn. The film faithfully creates the atmosphere of commercial flight aided by some great music and photography.Despite improvements in technology the film reminds me that the human challenges of flight haven't changed at all.