Sullenberger returns to cockpit
'Miracle on the Hudson' pilot flies for first time in nine months
October 1, 2009, 11:41 a.m.
STAFF REPORT
US Airways Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger returned to the cockpit for the first time since the Jan. 15 "Miracle on the Hudson" for a flight into New York.
Sullenberger and 1st Officer Jeffrey Skiles flew on Flight 1050, which took off from Charlotte, N.C., at 7:55 a.m. and was landed at LaGuardia Airport about two hours later.
Sullenberger was at the controls; it was believed to be his first commercial flight as captain since Flight 1549 landed in the Hudson. All 155 people on board were saved.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is Captain Sullenberger," he told the passengers to applause. "It's a beautiful day for flying. We expect nice weather - smooth flying all the way."
US Airways announced earlier this week that Sullenberger would be making regular flights and supervising other pilots as part of the airline's safety management team.
Skiles has been back flying with US Airways since April.
Sullenberger landed his Airbus A320 in the Hudson after a collision with a flock of geese killed power in both engines minutes after takeoff from LaGuardia.
He wrote about the landing in "Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters," with co-author Jeffrey Zaslow. The book is due out next month.