Chesley Sullenberger: An American Hero

Living in the New York area it's been all Flight 1549 coverage the past five hours. I first heard the news as I began driving home this afternoon and was riveted to radio coverage throughout my commute. I was nearly brought to tears of relief as news filtered out that all aboard made it out safely. For that we owe a tremendous debt of thanks to the flight crew and all the rescuers who were so fortunately upon the scene within minutes to save the passengers from the frigid Hudson.

Above all we must tip our hats to Captain Chesley Sullenberger III. Without his calm, cool action there could have been an unspeakable calamity in this area, be it the plane crashing into the George Washington Bridge or coming down over a populated area and all the fears of terrorism that would have accompanied such a disaster.

The hero of Flight 1549, pilot Chesley B. Sullenberger III, walked the aisle of the downed US Airways jet twice looking for passengers before exiting the plane he safely ditched in the Hudson River, saving the lives of more than 150 people onboard.

"It would appear that the pilot did a masterful job of landing the plane in the river and then making sure everybody got out," New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said of the veteran pilot and Air Force Academy graduate.

Sullenberger, 57, has more than 40 years of flying experience and served as an air force fighter pilot and instructor.

Whatever accolades Captain Sullenberger has coming his way, the grateful thanks of his passengers is surely tops among them.

Thanks to Instapundit for the link.