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 January 23, 1951) is an American retired pilot and safety expert. 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, which was a true miracle!
After this event, Sullenberger became a strong supporter of aviation safety. He helped create new rules to make flying even safer. He also worked with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) to inspire young people to learn about aviation. He retired from US Airways in 2010 after flying for 30 years. Later, he worked for CBS News as an expert on aviation and safety.
Sullenberger has written two books. One is called Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters, which tells his life story and what happened during Flight 1549. He was also named one of Time magazine's "Top 100 Most Influential Heroes and Icons of 2009." In 2021, President Joe Biden chose Sullenberger to represent the U.S. at an important aviation organization called the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Contents
Early Life and Education
Chesley Burnett Sullenberger III was born on January 23, 1951, in Denison, Texas. As a child, he loved building model planes. He became interested in flying after seeing military jets from a nearby Air Force base. He was a very smart student and even joined Mensa International at age 11, which is a group for people with high IQs.
In high school, he was a top student and played the flute. At 16, Sullenberger learned to fly a small plane called an Aeronca Champion. He said his flight instructor greatly influenced his dream of becoming a pilot.
Sullenberger went to the United States Air Force Academy. He earned a degree in psychology and basic sciences. He also earned two master's degrees from Purdue University and the University of Northern Colorado.
Military Service
Sullenberger joined the United States Air Force Academy in 1969. He quickly became an instructor pilot for gliders. When he graduated in 1973, he was recognized as the best flyer in his class. After getting his master's degree, he trained to become a pilot for the Air Force.
He flew powerful F-4 Phantom II fighter jets in places like Europe and the Pacific. He became a captain and a training officer. He also helped investigate aircraft accidents, which gave him valuable experience in aviation safety.
Civil Aviation Career
Sullenberger worked for US Airways and its earlier airlines from 1980 until 2010. He held many different pilot licenses, including one for commercial planes and gliders. He also had a license to teach others how to fly. In total, he has over 50 years and 20,000 hours of flying experience!
In 2007, he started his own company, Safety Reliability Methods, Inc. (SRM). This company helps organizations improve their safety and performance. He also helped investigate several plane accidents for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). His work helped create better safety rules and training for pilots.
Sullenberger was very active in his pilot's union, the Air Line Pilots Association. He helped develop a special training course called "Crew Resource Management." This course teaches airline crews how to work together effectively during a crisis. He also worked with NASA scientists to study how human errors can happen in aviation.
US Airways Flight 1549: The Miracle on the Hudson
On January 15, 2009, Captain Sullenberger was flying US Airways Flight 1549. The plane had just taken off from LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Suddenly, the plane flew into a large flock of Canada geese. Both engines were badly damaged and stopped working.
Sullenberger quickly realized he couldn't make it back to an airport. He decided the safest option was to land the plane on the Hudson River. This type of landing on water is called a "ditching." All 155 people on board survived the landing and were rescued by nearby boats.
Sullenberger later said, "It was very quiet as we worked, my copilot Jeff Skiles and I. We were a team." He was the last person to leave the plane, making sure everyone else was safely off. People called him "Captain Cool" because he stayed so calm during the emergency. Even though he was calm during the event, Sullenberger later experienced some stress from the experience. He said that the moments before the landing were the "worst sickening, pit-of-your-stomach, falling-through-the-floor feeling" he had ever felt.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) later confirmed that landing on the river was the best decision. Trying to return to an airport would have been too risky.
Awards and Recognition
After the Hudson River landing, Sullenberger received many honors. President George W. Bush and President-elect Barack Obama both called to thank him. President Obama even invited Sullenberger and his crew to his inauguration ceremony.
The United States Senate and House of Representatives passed special resolutions to honor Sullenberger and the crew. He received the "Key to the Town" in his hometown of Danville, California. He was also made an honorary Danville police officer.
Sullenberger and his crew were honored at the Super Bowl XLIII pre-game ceremony. He also received honorary membership in the Seaplane Pilots Association. Many people admired Sullenberger, and a fan page for him on Facebook quickly gained half a million members.
A library book that was in Sullenberger's luggage during the landing was recovered, even though it was water-damaged. The library waived any late fees! The mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, gave Sullenberger a new copy of the book and the Key to the City of New York.
Sullenberger even threw out the first pitch for the San Francisco Giants baseball team. His jersey had "Sully" and the number 155 on it, representing the 155 people saved on the plane.
Recognition
- 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)
- 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)
- Jabara Award (2009)
Life After Retirement
Sullenberger retired from US Airways in 2010. His last flight was from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Charlotte, North Carolina. On that flight, he met up with his co-pilot, Jeff Skiles, and some of the passengers from Flight 1549.
Today, Sullenberger travels around the world giving speeches. He talks about important topics like aviation safety, leadership, and how to handle difficult situations. In 2011, he spoke at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.
In 2010, France honored him with the Legion of Honour, a very important award. He and the Flight 1549 crew also received a trophy from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Sullenberger's first book, Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters, became a bestseller in 2009. His second book, Making a Difference: Stories of Vision and Courage from America's Leaders, came out in 2012.
From 2009 to 2013, Sullenberger and Skiles led the EAA's Young Eagles Program. This program gives young people a chance to fly and learn about aviation. It has helped over 2 million kids experience flying!
In 2019, Sullenberger spoke out about the Boeing 737 MAX crashes. He said that the system for designing and approving aircraft needed to be improved to prevent future accidents.
Public Service
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Sullenberger has also shared his thoughts on public service. In 2018, he wrote an article asking Americans to vote for leaders who are honest and care about everyone. He said that he has always voted as an American, putting the country first.
In 2020, he supported Joe Biden for president. He also worked with groups like Vote Vets to encourage people to vote.
In 2021, President Biden chose Sullenberger to be the U.S. representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This organization works to make air travel safe and efficient around the world. He served in this role from February to July 2022.
Personal Life
Sully Sullenberger is married to Lorrie Sullenberger, who is a fitness instructor. They have two adopted daughters, Kate and Kelly.
See also
In Spanish: Chesley Sullenberger para niños
- List of accidents and incidents involving commercial aircraft
- Living Legends of Aviation
- Tammie Jo Shults
