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Chesley B. Sullenberger, Hudson River Hero, Given Key to New York
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by Tina Kells | January 16, 2009 at 09:03 am
1640 views | 14 Recommendations | 1 comment
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Chesley B. Sullenberger is without a doubt a hero after guiding all 155 people on board US Airways Flight 1549 to safety in an emergency Hudson River landing, Thursday. Captain Sullenberger, co-pilot Jeff Skiles and the rest of Flight 1549's crew have been hailed for keeping passengers safe and calm during the ordeal.
After advising air traffic control of a "double bird strike" that disabled the Airbus A320, Captain Sullenberger calmly warned passengers to prepare for an emergency landing before safely setting Flight 1549 down on the frigid waters of the Hudson River.
US Airways Flight 1549 was full, 150 passengers and 5 crew, and everybody on board survived the emergency Hudson River landing. 78 people were treated in local hospitals in both New York and New Jersey, the most serious injuries included 4 cases of hypothermia and 1 person who suffered from two broken legs.
Captain Sullenberger, a 29 year veteran of the US Airways team, co-pilot Jeff Skiles, all Flight 1549's crew, various rescue workers and several heroic civilians were honored Friday in a press conference held by New York's Mayor Bloomberg.
At a news conference in New York, Mr Bloomberg said Capt Sullenberger had been "incredibly skilful" but would be unable to speak to the media until he had been fully interviewed by investigators.Mr Bloomberg said the writer Ernest Hemingway has defined heroism as "grace under pressure".
"I think it's fair to say that Captain Sullenberger displayed that yesterday. His brave actions have inspired millions of people in this city and millions more around the world," he said.
The mayor also presented awards to other uniformed and civilian personnel involved in the rescue.
He said the city's "finest and bravest" workers had made "split-second decisions that resulted in a dramatic rescue".
"Because of their efforts and the calm, steady leadership shown by the plane's pilot and crew, miraculously all 155 people on that plane made it to safety," he said.
The pilot who crash-landed an Airbus A320 on New York's Hudson River yesterday was promised a gold-plated "key to the city" today in recognition of a "miraculous" piece of airmanship.
But Chesley B Sullenberger III will not be able to collect the honour until an official investigation into yesterday's near-catastrophe on US Airways Flight 1549 has completed by the National Transportation Safety Bureau (NTSB).
Mr Sullenberger, his co-pilot Jeff Skiles and the three cabin crew aboard the aircraft have been hailed as heroes for their quick-thinking but calm response after the Airbus's two engines were wiped out by what was thought to be a "bird strike".
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changoblanco
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Tina Kells
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (1)
at 15:27 on January 16th, 2009
Great piece, Tina.
Based on NY local news, his wife and two daughters will be coming to NY to join him while he waits for NTSB's investigation. During one of the press conference earlier, the mayor, Michael Bloomberg showed the key to the city that Mr. Sullenberger will be receiving once he's permitted to talk to the public and press. The city has certainly embraced him with accolades.