Chesley Sullenberger, full name Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger (23 January 1951, Denison, Texas), is an American pilot, aviation safety expert, author and former diplomat. He is internationally renowned for the “Miracle on the Hudson,” one of the most remarkable emergency landings in aviation history. On 15 January 2009, he successfully landed US Airways Flight 1549, an Airbus A320, on the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 people on board. Throughout his career, he has held significant roles in commercial aviation, military aviation, flight safety and public service.

Sullenberger was born on 23 January 1951 in Denison, Texas. From an early age, he developed a strong interest in aviation. Throughout his childhood, he was fascinated by model airplanes and became curious about the principles of aircraft operation.

After completing high school, he was admitted to the United States Air Force Academy. He graduated in 1973, where he received training in engineering and military aviation. He later pursued a master’s degree in industrial psychology at Purdue University and conducted studies in public administration at the University of Northern Colorado.

His military training helped him develop disciplined flight techniques and crisis management skills. These experiences formed the foundation for the critical decisions he would make in later years.

^{Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger (}Pıcryl⁾

After graduation, Sullenberger served as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. He flew F-4 Phantom fighter jets and held various assignments. During his military career, he worked in the fields of flight safety and operational management.

Following his military service, he transitioned to the civil aviation sector. He began working at Pacific Southwest Airlines and continued his career with US Airways after the airline’s merger. For many years, he served as a captain pilot.

^{US Airways Flight 1549 Aircraft} (flickr)

On 15 January 2009, US Airways Flight 1549, departing from New York, struck a flock of birds shortly after takeoff, causing both engines to fail. Sullenberger and first officer Jeffrey Skiles made the decision to perform an emergency landing on the Hudson River.

Airbus A320 aircraft was successfully landed on the river in a controlled manner, and all 155 people on board were rescued. The event received widespread media coverage and became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.”

Following the incident, Sullenberger and his crew received numerous awards. He was included in Time magazine’s 2009 “Time 100” list.

Sullenberger has conducted research on aviation safety, pilot training, crew coordination and human factors. He has participated in conferences and made public statements on systems designed to prevent accidents.

In his 2010 autobiographical book, “Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters,” he recounted his career and his experiences related to the Hudson River incident.

He also provided commentary on aviation safety for television programs and worked with CBS News.

^{ICAO Representative Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger} (flickr)

In 2021, he was nominated by United States President Joe Biden as the representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He was subsequently confirmed by the United States Senate.

Sullenberger is married to fitness trainer Lorrie Sullenberger. The couple has two daughters. They lived for many years in California.

After the Hudson River incident, Sullenberger retired from active piloting and has since engaged in public speaking, safety consulting and diplomatic duties.

He has made statements on aviation safety, transportation policy and pilot training. He voiced opinions during safety debates surrounding the Boeing 737 MAX crisis.

Sullenberger’s life was portrayed in the 2016 film “Sully,” directed by Clint Eastwood.