Both pilots maintained that they did nothing wrong, and Jones credited them for the survival of the passengers aboard the helicopter.

A controller tells the pilots to descend and maintain an altitude of 6,000 feet.

The pilots maintained they had made "visual identification" of the helicopters, a Pentagon official said.

Faced with often certain death, the pilots maintain an almost delusional concentration.

The pilot had levelled up the machine and maintained contact some way off.

The two flying things seemed almost fastened together, so closely did their pilots maintain that same speed and course.

Because of the secrecy of the President's flight plan, his pilot had maintained total radio silence.

Despite this blindness, the pilot could maintain consciousness and was capable of "bodily reactions".

Also, the pilot must be aware of his wingman's position, and maintain good communication.

If the pilot had maintained airspeed, he'd have been fine.