Woman sucked from plane
through the most congested airspace in the world.”
The pilot’s coolness led to comparisons to Chesley Sullenberger who landed a damaged passenger jet on New York’s Hudson River in 2009, saving all 155 passengers on board.
Mrs Shults joined the Navy in 1985 and was among the first women to fly the F-18 and the LTV A-7 Corsair war jets though she did not see combat.
She resigned her commission in 1993 and joined Southwest. She is married to Dean, also a pilot, and the two live in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, with their two children.
Her brother-in-law Gary Shults said: “She’s a formidable woman, as sharp as a tack. My brother says she’s the best pilot he knows.”
The family of Mrs Riordan, who had two children with her husband Michael, said in a statement: “Jennifer’s vibrancy, passion and love infused our community.
“Her impact on everything and everyone she touched can never be fully measured.
“Her beauty and love is evident through her children. We are so appreciative of the outpouring of support from family, friends and our community.”
Staff at the Annunciation Catholic School in Albuquerque where her children studied said they were “devastated to lose an integral member of our community”.
The school said: “She was seen on campus almost daily supporting her children. She provided encouragement to everyone with whom she came into contact.
“Her positive motivating spirit will be missed. We will keep Jennifer and her family in prayer.”