Capt. Chelsey B. Sullenberger III is a hero.
This is the pilot who managed to safely land the US Airways flight into the Hudson River and all 155 passengers survived. All 155.
His poise and composure has me in awe. In fact, his composure is causing me to lose mine. This is a story that is beyond comprehension. I am sure everyone is aware of the details of what happened, but to hear the story from the man who was in charge is riveting.
I have always joked that it isn't dying that I am afraid of, it is the couple minutes before when I know I am about to kick it that kind of bothers me a bit. I simply cannot think of anything worse than being aboard an airplane that is about to crash. To come out of this scenario unscathed is beyond comprehension. 155.
Things could have very easily gone so terribly wrong, but he landed in a manner that everyone was saved. In 1996 an Ethiopian plane was hijacked and the attempted water landed ended in disaster with 125 of 175 passengers being killed. 155.
He had to make sure the plane was level, the speed was correct (without the use of any thrust from the engines), that his nose was up an appropriate amount and, oh yeah, make an announcement to the passengers. The landing was hard, but exactly as planned. 155.
The most emotional part of the segment was when the crew got to meet the 155 passengers, and their families, that they helped save. Not only did the passengers thank them, but the husbands, wives and kids of the surviving passengers will be forever grateful. 155.
This man made a miraculous landing with only 2 people being injured in the least, yet he wonders every day what he could have done better. Talk about holding yourself to a high standard.
Captain Sullenberger, you were perfect. Absolutely perfect.
155
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