Chesley B. Sullenberger III, also known as “Sully,” was the pilot of Flight 1549 on January 15, 2009.

The
plane was leaving New York and heading towards Charlotte North Carolina. Shortly after departing New
York, it flew threw a flock of birds and this caused the left engine of the plane to shut down. The engine
caught on fire and many passengers could see the flames. When Sully realized the engine was not
working, he made the cautious decision to land in the Hudson River. As he told the passengers on the
flight to “Brace for Impact” most of the people on board thought they were going to die. Sully had the
skill and experience to know exactly what he should do and he was calm throughout the whole process.
The plane landed in the Hudson in about 24-degree cold water. All 150 passengers made it safely out of
the plane. It truly was a “Miracle on the Hudson.”

Sully was born on January 23, 1951 in Denison, Texas. He first got interested in planes because his house
was next to an Air Force Base. As a kid he loved watching the planes. At age 16, Sullenberger learned
how to fly his first plane. In 1969 he enrolled in the United States Air Force Academy and as a freshman
was chosen to be in a cadet glider program. He graduated in 1973 with the degree of a top flier. After his
schooling he became a Commercial Pilot and flew for U.S Airway. Chesley moved to Danville, California
with his wife Lorraine and his 2 adopted children Kate and Kelly, where they all live now.

Sully made a difference because he knew his plane couldn’t make it back to New York. He had to make
the quick decision himself to land in the Hudson. If he didn’t have the thought to land in the Hudson
River, the damage would have been a lot worse. All of the passengers possibly would not have made it.
Chesley is an idol for many other people and many pilots in the world. Chesley Sullenberger III inspires
everyone because in a very deathly situation, he remained calm, took charge, and knew exactly what to
do. He instructed the passengers not to panic and told them what they needed to do in order to be safe.
After heard the story about Chesley landing a plane in a river, many pilots in the world would know what
to do if they ever became in danger. This reassured people about flying on a plane. Sully can serve as a
motivation and inspiration to other pilots because of his wise actions. Chesley was the last one out of
the plane because he wanted to make sure that everyone was out safely. He risked his life for the lives
of many others. This is an example of why many pilots look up to him. Many others also look up to him
because throughout this whole process he was humble and often showed integrity.

Chesley Sullenberger III is a true example of a hero. He showed true courage and strength through his
actions when landing the plane. He was acknowledged as a hero in Time Magazine’s Heroes of the Year.
Sully doesn’t consider himself to be a hero, but many others do. Thousands of people see Chesley as a
hero. He didn’t let all the fame get to his head as many other celebrities have done. Sully appears to
have remained the same person. No one forced him to land in the Hudson River, it was his decision and
choice. He truly did show courage and the strength through his actions on January 15, 2009.