The 'Hudson Hero' Turns 75 - Spectacular Emergency Landing - 'Miracle on the Hudson' hero Sully turns 75 after a lifetime of courage
Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, the pilot who safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River, celebrates his 75th birthday today. Known for his calm leadership during the 2009 emergency, he later became a prominent voice in aviation safety and public service.
On 15 January 2009, Sullenberger guided Flight 1549 to an emergency water landing after both engines failed due to a bird strike. All 155 passengers and crew survived with only minor injuries. He was the last to leave the sinking aircraft, ensuring no one was left behind.
The event, later called the 'Miracle on the Hudson,' inspired a book by Sullenberger titled Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters. In 2016, Clint Eastwood adapted the story into the film Sully. Fifteen years after the incident, Sullenberger reunited with some of the passengers and crew in New York. After retiring in 2010, he remained active in aviation safety advocacy. In 2021, he criticized Donald Trump’s FAA nominee, Bryan Bedford, warning that the appointment could weaken safety standards. Later that year, President Joe Biden nominated him as U.S. ambassador to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), where he served as a representative.
Sullenberger’s career has spanned decades, from piloting to public service. His actions during the Hudson landing and his later work in safety advocacy continue to influence aviation worldwide. Today, his legacy remains a symbol of skill, responsibility, and resilience.
