LONDON -- The British captain who has been called a hero following the fast evacuation of passengers and crew from a Boeing 777 after it caught fire in Las Vegas before takeoff has said he's done with flying.
Chris Henkey, 63 years old, from Padworth in Berkshire, who is to retire next week, was to make a final flight but he told NBC News that is now very unlikely.
"It's safe to say I'm finished flying," he said.
Henkey's swift and calm action was applauded by the 157 passengers when he returned to the terminal after the incident. He reportedly hit the brakes after one of the engines on the Gatwick-bound jet caught fire, summoning the airport's fire services and ordering passengers to evacuate the plane via the emergency slides.
The pilot, who is a former publican, said that in his 42 years of flying he's never experienced an emergency like it before and credited the crew for getting everyone to safety. "It's not just me. It's the whole crew, really," he said.
On the recording of the mayday call to emergency services, Henkey's voice can be heard very calmly requesting immediate assistance.
Speaking to reporters, Henkey's fiancée, Lenka Nevolna, said he's very "cool under pressure."
"He's a hero, he's a great man."