‘Miracle on the Hudson’ pilot Chesly Sullenberger inducted into US Aviation Hall of Fame

Two months after revealing his Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot famous for safely landing a US Airways flight in New York City's Hudson River in 2009, has been inducted into the US's National Aviation Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place in Washington DC on Thursday, 17 years after Sullenberger's miraculous landing that saved over 150 lives.

Sullenberger, 75, participated in the ceremony remotely via video, expressing gratitude to the other 2026 hall of fame inductees for their accomplishments and thanking the audience for honoring him. He acknowledged that the 2009 events, which later inspired a Tom Hanks film, played a significant role in his enshrinement. However, Sullenberger emphasized that his career extended far beyond that single flight.

Sullenberger, a former member of the US Air Force, was piloting US Airways Flight 1549 when it struck a flock of birds upon takeoff from LaGuardia airport bound for Charlotte, North Carolina. With both engines lost, Sullenberger realized that a return to LaGuardia was impossible and opted to land the aircraft in the Hudson River instead.

Despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in July, Sullenberger maintains that his new phase of life has inspired him to speak more openly about public service and support others facing similar challenges.