By Emme Hornung
A quarter century later, as the nation reflects on the events of September 11, 2001, EAA is honored to welcome retired NYPD Chief Pilot Ken Solosky and emergency management specialist Dr. Michael Fagel to share their experiences in the air and on the ground following the attacks in New York. Join us for this special discussion at the EAA Aviation Museum Speaker Series on Friday, September 11, 2026.
Ken Solosky, with numerous advanced ratings in both airplanes and helicopters, served with the NYPD for 21 years in the aviation unit as a lieutenant, chief pilot, and director of training.
Photography courtesy of Ken Solosky
On base when the attacks occurred, Ken’s role was coordinating the aviation response between his unit and the U.S. military, medevac units, and fellow law enforcement units. Hundreds of units from around the country offered help — an incredible display of America’s strength when we come together.
“We’re all intimately familiar with the tragedy of the day, and the tragedy was overwhelming. However, I always tell people there was a lot of good that day. One of the examples I always bring up is LAPD was willing to send aircraft. They were willing to launch that day with pilots and aircraft to fly all the way across the country to help us,” Ken said.
This discussion will also feature Mike Fagel, who is returning after joining retired FDNY Deputy Chief Charles R. Blaich to share their story during the 9/11 Speaker Series in 2024. Mike has more than 40 years of experience in police, fire, emergency medical services, and emergency management.
Mike arrived at Ground Zero just three days after the attacks when assigned to the FDNY by the U.S. Department of Justice, serving over 100 days with the crew. “My mission was to go there and help do anything that was asked of me. It didn’t matter what patch was on our sleeve, it mattered that we were helping people in the worst time of their lives,” he said.
Photography courtesy of Mike Fagel
For months after the event, Mike worked closely with Charles Blaich and aide Lee Morris to write plans and procedures to ensure safety and keep the fire department operational during the response.
During the presentation, both Ken and Mike will dive deeper into their roles in the recovery efforts, sharing photos and stories from that day and the months following.
Friday’s presentation is free for EAA members and youths, and just $5 for nonmembers.
If you’re unable to attend, all Speaker Series presentations are recorded and will be available to members to watch here at a later date.
Speaker Series is supported by Alro Steel, Capital Credit Union, Community First Credit Union, Cozumel Mexican Grill, Kwik Trip, Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists, Pilotsmith, Sargento, and The Taqueria.