Sully Sullenberger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sully Sullenberger
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Sullenberger in 2022
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| Permanent Representative of the United States to the International Civil Aviation Organization | |
| In office February 3 – July 1, 2022 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Sean E. Doocey |
| Succeeded by | Brent Christensen |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Chesley Burnett Sullenberger III
January 23, 1951 Denison, Texas, U.S. |
| Spouse |
Lorrie Henry
(m. 1989) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | United States Air Force Academy (BS) Purdue University (MS) University of Northern Colorado, Greeley (MPA) |
| Known for | Ditching of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River |
| Awards | See below |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1973–1980 |
| Rank | Captain |
Chesley Burnett "Sully" Sullenberger III, born on January 23, 1951, is a retired American pilot and expert in aviation safety. He is famous for safely landing US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009. This amazing landing happened after the plane's engines stopped working because of a bird strike. All 155 people on board survived.
After this event, Sullenberger became a strong supporter of aviation safety. He helped create new rules for flying safely. He also co-chaired the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)'s Young Eagles program from 2009 to 2013. This program introduces young people to aviation.
Sullenberger retired from US Airways in 2010 after 30 years as a commercial pilot. In 2011, he started working for CBS News as an expert on aviation and safety. He also wrote a bestselling book called Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters. In 2021, President Joe Biden chose Sullenberger to represent the U.S. at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He served in this role from February to July 2022.
Contents
Sully's Early Life and Education
Chesley Burnett Sullenberger III was born in Denison, Texas, on January 23, 1951. His family came from Swiss-German immigrants. He has one younger sister named Mary. From a young age, Sully loved airplanes. He built model planes and even tiny aircraft carriers. He became interested in flying after seeing military jets near his home.
Sullenberger was a very smart student. At age 11, he joined Mensa International, a group for people with high IQs. In high school, he was a top student, president of the Latin club, and a talented flutist. He learned to fly a small plane at 16. This early training helped shape his future career.
Sullenberger studied at the United States Air Force Academy. He also earned master's degrees from Purdue University and the University of Northern Colorado.
Sully's Military Service
Sullenberger joined the United States Air Force Academy in 1969. He was chosen for a special glider program and became an instructor pilot by the end of his first year. When he graduated in 1973, he was recognized as the "top flyer" in his class.
After graduation, he trained to be a pilot. He flew T-37 Tweet and T-38 Talon planes. In 1975, he became a pilot and then trained to fly the F-4 Phantom II fighter jet. He served in the Air Force in Europe and the Pacific. He became a captain and helped investigate aircraft accidents.
Sully's Civilian Flying Career
Sullenberger worked for US Airways and its earlier airlines from 1980 until 2010. He has over 50 years and 20,000 hours of flying experience. He is certified to fly many types of airplanes and gliders. He also teaches others how to fly.
In 2007, he started his own company, Safety Reliability Methods, Inc. (SRM). This company helps organizations improve safety and performance. Sullenberger has helped investigate many accidents for the Air Force and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). He also helped create and teach a course called Crew Resource Management for airline crews. This course helps pilots and crew work together better during emergencies.
He also worked with NASA scientists to study how errors can happen in aviation. His work helped improve airline procedures for emergency evacuations.
The "Miracle on the Hudson" Flight
On January 15, 2009, Sullenberger was the captain of US Airways Flight 1549. The plane took off from LaGuardia Airport in New York City, heading for Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Soon after takeoff, the plane hit a flock of Canada geese. Both engines stopped working.
Sullenberger quickly realized he couldn't reach any nearby airports. He decided to land the plane on the Hudson River. This type of landing on water is called a ditching. All 155 people on board survived and were rescued.
Sullenberger later said that it was very quiet as he and his co-pilot, Jeff Skiles, worked together. He described the feeling before the landing as "the worst sickening, pit-of-your-stomach, falling-through-the-floor feeling." He was the last person to leave the plane, checking twice to make sure everyone else had gotten out safely.
The National Transportation Safety Board later confirmed that landing on the river was the best decision. Trying to return to an airport would have been too risky.
Awards and Public Recognition
After the Hudson River landing, Sullenberger received many honors. President George W. Bush and President-elect Barack Obama both called him to say thank you. President Obama invited him and the crew to his inauguration ceremony.
- On January 16, 2009, the United States Senate honored Sullenberger, his co-pilot, the crew, and the rescuers.
- He received the Masters Medal from the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators.
- His hometown of Danville, California, gave him the "Key to the Town" and made him an honorary police officer.
- He and the Flight 1549 crew were honored at the Super Bowl XLIII pre-game ceremony.
- He received honorary lifetime membership in the Seaplane Pilots Association.
- Time magazine named him one of the "100 Most Influential Heroes and Icons of 2009."
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave Sullenberger the Key to the City of New York. Sullenberger also threw out the first pitch for the San Francisco Giants baseball team in 2009. His jersey had the number 155, for the 155 people on the plane.
The Sullenberger Aviation Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina, is named after him. It has an exhibit about the "Miracle on the Hudson."
Awards and Honors
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Annie Glenn Award (2021)
- Tony Jannus Award (2018)
- EAA Freedom of Flight Award (2015, with Jeff Skiles)
- National Air and Space Museum Trophy for Current Achievement (2010, with rest of Flight 1549 crew)
- Legion of Honour (Officer) (2010)
- Time's 100 Most Influential Heroes and Icons (2009)
- Founders' Medal from the Air League (2009)
- Master's Medal from the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators (2009, with Flight 1549 crew)
- Key to the City from New York City (2009, with Flight 1549 crew)
- Key to the Town from Danville, California (2009)
- Chris Matthews' Hardball Award (2009)
- Jabara Award (2009)
- Air League Founders' Medal (2009)
Sully's Life After Retirement
Sullenberger retired from US Airways in 2010. His last flight was from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Charlotte, North Carolina. On this flight, he met again with his co-pilot, Jeff Skiles, and some of the passengers from Flight 1549.
Today, Sullenberger gives talks around the world. He speaks about aviation safety, leadership, and how to prepare for challenges in life. In 2011, he spoke at the World Economic Forum.
In December 2010, France honored him with the Officer of the Legion of Honour award. He and the Flight 1549 crew also received the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Trophy in 2010.
Sullenberger's first book, Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters, was a bestseller in 2009. In 2012, he released his second book, Making a Difference: Stories of Vision and Courage from America's Leaders.
From 2009 to 2013, Sullenberger and Skiles led the EAA's Young Eagles Program. This program lets children experience flying and learn about aviation. It has flown over 2 million kids.
In 2019, Sullenberger spoke out about the Boeing 737 MAX crashes. He said that the system for designing and certifying aircraft had failed. He criticized Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Sully's Role as an Ambassador
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On June 15, 2021, President Biden nominated Sullenberger to be the U.S. representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This role has the rank of ambassador. The Senate approved his nomination on December 2, 2021. He served in this important role from February 3, 2022, to July 1, 2022.
Sully's Family Life
Sullenberger married Lorraine "Lorrie" Henry in 1989. They adopted two daughters, Kate and Kelly.
Sullenberger has also become an advocate for suicide prevention. He supports groups like National Suicide Prevention Week and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
See also
In Spanish: Chesley Sullenberger para niños
- List of accidents and incidents involving commercial aircraft
- Living Legends of Aviation
- Tadeusz Wrona
- Tammie Jo Shults
