My Hero 2

Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger III, USAFA '73

The Airbus 320 had just taken off from New York's La Guardia Airport bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, when it lost power in both engines after striking a flock of birds. Captain Sullenberger took control of US Airways Flight 1549 while his co-pilot attempted to restart the engines. After considering options of returning to LaGuardia or continuing on to an alternate landing site such as nearby Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, Captain Sullenberger quickly determined that the aircraft lacked the altitude to land safely in a heavily populated area. Instead, he decided to ditch in the icy Hudson River. Clearing the George Washington Bridge by less than 900 feet, Captain Sullenberger instructed the passengers to "Brace for impact," and expertly guided the damaged aircraft to a smooth landing on the river. The flight lasted approximately six minutes, but the danger was by no means over, as the aircraft began to take on water. Captain Sullenberger, aided by his co-pilot and three experienced flight attendants, oversaw the orderly departure of the 150 passengers through the four emergency over-wing exits and the two passenger doors at the front of the aircraft. He then walked the length of the aircraft twice to ensure everyone had escaped before becoming the last person to leave the plane.

"Confidence has to be realistic, based on your education, training and experience. It can't be wishful thinking. You have to know what's a reasonable risk and what's not."

"You have to have the confidence to do the job but have a realistic appreciation of the risks. It was a realistic confidence based on my experience."

"People wanted to be reassured that even in these difficult times all the things we value are still there, that if you work hard and take your profession seriously then you can make your part of the world a little better."