“Miracle on the Hudson” pilot Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III has been inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame. In a ceremony in Washington, D.C on Sept. 24, Sullenberger appeared via video to accept the enshrinement. He was honoured alongside NASA astronauts and aviation researchers.
Sully’s reaction to the honour
The organisation recognised Sullenberger’s actions during Flight 1549, as well as his contributions to safety advocacy, public service, pilot training and military flying.
“I want to congratulate the other enshrinees on lifetimes of accomplishments. And I thank you for the honour of enshrinement in the National Aviation Hall of Fame,” he said.
Sullenberger acknowledged that his emergency landing of Flight 1549 was the reason he was honoured, he added:
“My career was much more than one flight. I hope my career stands on its own apart from Flight 1549.”
The events of Flight 1549
On Jan. 15 2009, Sullenberger piloted US Airways Flight 1549 departing from New York’s LaGuardia Airport heading to Charlotte, North Carolina. Minutes into the flight, the plane encountered bird strike and both engines lost thrust.
Although he was cleared to return to LaGuardia or land at nearby Teterboro Airport, Sullenberger reportedly told air traffic control:
“We can’t do it. We’re gonna be in the Hudson.”
Alongside First Officer Jeff Skiles, Sullenberger landed the plane in the Hudson saving the lives of 150 passengers and five crew members. He ensured all those onboard evacuated safely, even as the plane was sinking. He briefly returned to flying before ultimately retiring in 2010. Sullenberger has become an advocate for aviation safety, helping to implement new protocols. His story was adapted into a film starring Tom Hanks in 2016.
In July, Sullenberger revealed he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In a statement made at the time, Sullenberger said:
“I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It is early stage. For now, this means a name may not come easily to me, I forget a story I have recently told, or I don’t sleep as well, but I am in the beginning of this long journey.”
He continued:
“This new phase of my life has challenged what it means to be of service. And the answer is to speak up. It is my hope that by sharing this, other families living in the shadows with this disease will feel they too can step forward.”
Sullenberger said he initially debated revealing his diagnosis to the public but decided he wanted to raise awareness on the disease. Speaking in an interview to Good Morning America, the captain said he experienced shock and anger upon his diagnosis. His wife, Lorrie, added:
“This is a disease – not a character flaw. I think we need to talk about it more openly, and maybe other people can do the same.”
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