Sully

Sully
Name	Chesley Burnett Sullenberger III
Caption	Sullenberger in 2010
Birth date	July 23, 1951
Birth place	Denison, Texas, U.S.
Occupation	Airline pilot, safety consultant, author
Known for	US Airways Flight 1549 emergency landing on the Hudson River
Awards	See Awards and honors

Sully

Chesley Burnett Sullenberger III is an American retired airline pilot, aviation safety advocate, and author best known for successfully ditching US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009. His actions brought international attention from organizations and media outlets including Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, BBC News, The New York Times, and CNN. Sullenberger's career intersects with institutions such as Purdue University, United States Air Force, US Airways, American Airlines Group, and public figures such as Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Hillary Clinton.

Early life

Sullenberger was born in Denison, Texas and raised in Davis, California, where his family life involved ties to Ohio State University and Texas A&M University through relatives and early education. He attended Purdue University where he studied aviation and trained with programs linked to United States Air Force cadet pipelines and ROTC-like programs at institutions such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University graduates often reference. Early mentors and influences included pilots connected to National Aeronautic Association circles and instructors affiliated with Federal Aviation Administration training standards.

Aviation career

Sullenberger began flying with experience in United States Air Force programs and later joined civilian carriers, including Pacific Southwest Airlines and US Airways. During his airline career he flew aircraft models associated with manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus, and participated in training and safety curricula informed by International Civil Aviation Organization guidance and Federal Aviation Administration regulations. He served on panels and advisory boards that collaborated with organizations such as the Air Line Pilots Association, National Transportation Safety Board, and academic departments at Purdue University and Stanford University that study human factors and crew resource management.

US Airways Flight 1549 and "Miracle on the Hudson"

On January 15, 2009, Sullenberger was the captain of US Airways Flight 1549, an Airbus A320 family aircraft departing LaGuardia Airport bound for Charlotte Douglas International Airport when a bird strike disabled both engines. After consultations with resources at LaGuardia Airport air traffic control, nearby airlines, and review of options including Teterboro Airport and return to LaGuardia Airport, Sullenberger executed a water landing on the Hudson River near Manhattan's Upper West Side and Governor's Island. The evacuation involved coordinated responses from agencies such as the New York City Fire Department, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, United States Coast Guard, and ferry services operated by companies linked to New York Waterway. The incident prompted investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board and commentary from leaders including Rudy Giuliani, Michael Bloomberg, and President Barack Obama, and was widely covered by media outlets including ABC News, NBC News, Reuters, and The Wall Street Journal.

Later career and public life

Following the event, Sullenberger testified before bodies such as the United States Senate and engaged with institutions like the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board on safety recommendations. He authored memoirs and works published by houses with ties to figures in publishing such as Simon & Schuster and appeared in interviews with programs like 60 Minutes, panels at Harvard Kennedy School, and lectures at Purdue University and Stanford University. Sullenberger served as a public advocate for aviation safety, consulting with companies including American Airlines Group affiliates and contributing to discussions alongside leaders from Boeing, Airbus, and regulatory bodies such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

In popular culture and portrayal

The event and Sullenberger's role inspired dramatizations and portrayals across film, television, and literature. Major depictions include the film directed by Clint Eastwood starring Tom Hanks as Sullenberger, television segments on networks such as NBC, CBS, and PBS', and dramatized accounts in documentaries shown at festivals like Sundance Film Festival. Publications covering the event included features in The New Yorker, Time (magazine), and biographies published by imprints associated with HarperCollins and Random House. Sullenberger also participated in appearances on programs including Saturday Night Live, interviews with Oprah Winfrey, and public speaking engagements organized by entities such as TED Conferences.

Awards and honors

Sullenberger received honors from governmental and civic organizations including recognition from the United States Congress, commendations at the White House from President Barack Obama, and awards from aviation bodies such as the Air Line Pilots Association and National Transportation Safety Board acknowledgments. He has been the subject of honorary degrees from universities including Purdue University and received lifetime achievement and service awards presented by institutions like the National Aviation Hall of Fame, civic honors from New York City, and accolades featured in lists by Time (magazine) and The Guardian.

Category:American aviators Category:1951 births Category:Living people