born 1951
Chesley Sullenberger is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and commercial airline pilot, best known for successfully executing an emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, after both engines failed due to a bird strike. His actions, which saved the lives of all 155 passengers and crew on board, earned him widespread acclaim and led to a career as a public speaker and aviation safety advocate. Sullenberger authored a memoir detailing his experiences and has been awarded numerous honors for his heroism.