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Captain Sully: Life After the Miracle on the Hudson
15 Jan
Summary
- Sully's heroic Hudson River landing in 2009 saved all 155 lives aboard.
- He retired in 2010 but remains a prominent aviation safety advocate.
- The Sullenberger Aviation Museum in Charlotte is named in his honor.
More than 16 years have passed since Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III executed the "Miracle on the Hudson," saving all 155 lives on US Airways Flight 1549. The Airbus A320 had lost engine power after a flock of geese strike shortly after departing LaGuardia Airport on January 15, 2009.
Sullenberger, a veteran with over 20,000 flight hours, made the critical decision to land the crippled aircraft in the Hudson River, an unprecedented feat that ensured the survival of every passenger and crew member. Following the incident, he returned to piloting for a limited time before retiring in 2010.
Since retiring, Captain Sully has become a prominent advocate for aviation safety, sharing his expertise as a keynote speaker and author. The aircraft involved in the historic landing was eventually placed on display, and the museum housing it in Charlotte, North Carolina, was renamed the Sullenberger Aviation Museum in his honor, cementing his lasting impact.
