Chesley Sullenberger

Date of Birth: January 23, 1951

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Biography

Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger III is a retired American airline captain, aviation safety expert, and United States Air Force fighter pilot. He is best known for his role as the pilot in command during the emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, an event widely referred to as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” Born in Denison, Texas, Sullenberger developed an early interest in aviation, earning his pilot’s license at the age of 16. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1973, where he was a top student in his class, and went on to serve as a fighter pilot, flying the F-4 Phantom II. After leaving the Air Force, Sullenberger joined US Airways and became a commercial pilot, amassing over 20,000 flight hours over his career. Beyond his piloting duties, he has been a dedicated advocate for aviation safety, contributing to various NTSB investigations and safety protocols. Post-retirement, Sullenberger has become a public speaker, author, and consultant, sharing his experiences and insights into leadership, crisis management, and safety.

5 Interesting Facts about Chesley Sullenberger

1. Sullenberger was named the “Grand Marshal” of the Tournament of Roses Parade in 2010.

2. He co-authored a memoir titled “Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters,” which was later adapted into the 2016 film “Sully,” starring Tom Hanks.

3. Sullenberger has received numerous awards, including the Master’s Medal from the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators.

4. He served as the co-chairman of the EAA Young Eagles program, which aims to inspire and educate young people about aviation.

5. He was appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors by President Barack Obama in 2009.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Chesley Sullenberger

1. “I am not a hero. I am just a man who was doing his job.”

2. “We all have heard about ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. They act courageously or responsibly, and their actions make them heroes.”

3. “One way of looking at this might be that for 42 years, I’ve been making small, regular deposits in this bank of experience, education, and training. And on January 15, the balance was sufficient so that I could make a very large withdrawal.”

4. “It was the worst, sickening, pit-of-your-stomach, falling-through-the-floor feeling I have ever experienced.”

5. “We turned a routine departure into one of the most successful ditchings in aviation history.”