Sully

Sully is a renowned American airline pilot, safety expert, and author, best known for his heroic actions as the captain of US Airways Flight 1549, which made an emergency landing on the Hudson River in 2009. He has been recognized for his exceptional skills and dedication to safety by numerous organizations, including the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration. Sully's experience and expertise have been sought after by various media outlets, such as CNN, NBC News, and The New York Times. He has also been compared to other notable pilots, including Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart, for his bravery and skill.

Biography

Sully was born on January 23, 1951, in Denison, Texas, to a family of modest means. He developed an interest in aviation at a young age, inspired by pilots like Chuck Yeager and Scott Crossfield. Sully attended Purdue University, where he earned a degree in Aeronautical Science and was a member of the Purdue University Airport flying club. He later earned a master's degree in Public Administration from University of Northern Colorado. Sully's early career was influenced by his time at United States Air Force Academy, where he was a Cadet and learned from experienced pilots like General Curtis LeMay and General Jimmy Doolittle.

Career

Sully began his career as a pilot in the United States Air Force, flying F-4 Phantom II jets and serving as a flight instructor at Luke Air Force Base. He later joined Pacific Southwest Airlines as a commercial pilot, flying Boeing 737 and BAe 146 aircraft. Sully also worked as a safety consultant for Boeing and Federal Express, and was a member of the Air Line Pilots Association and the International Air Transport Association. His experience and expertise were recognized by organizations like the National Safety Council and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Miracle on the Hudson

On January 15, 2009, Sully made history by landing US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River after both engines failed due to a bird strike. The successful landing, which saved the lives of all 155 people on board, was hailed as the Miracle on the Hudson and made Sully an international hero. The incident was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board and was the subject of numerous media reports, including coverage by ABC News, CBS News, and Fox News. Sully's actions were praised by President Barack Obama, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and other leaders, including French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Awards and Recognition

Sully has received numerous awards and honors for his heroism and dedication to safety, including the Master's Medal from the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators, the Key to the City of New York City, and the Presidential Citizens Medal. He has also been recognized by organizations like the American Red Cross, the National Safety Council, and the International Air Transport Association. Sully has been awarded honorary degrees from University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and has been named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.

In Popular Culture

Sully's story has been featured in various forms of media, including the Hollywood film Sully (film), directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks as Sully. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was released by Warner Bros. Pictures. Sully has also been the subject of numerous books, including his own memoir, Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters, published by William Morrow and Company. His story has been covered by media outlets like The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and USA Today, and has been referenced in popular culture by shows like The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live. Sully has also been compared to other notable figures, including Captain James Cook and Neil Armstrong, for his bravery and skill. Category:Aviation