'Sully' Sullenberger turns 75, 15 years after the Miracle on the Hudson

From emergency hero to global advocate, his calm under pressure redefined bravery. How one flight shaped a lifetime of impact.

, and Administrator

2026 March 14 . 10:02 PM

1 min read

The image shows a group of people in an inflatable boat on a river, with two people in the water in... — The image shows a group of people in an inflatable boat on a river, with two people in the water in the foreground and a few plants in the background. The people are wearing life jackets and helmets, suggesting they are participating in a rescue operation.

The 'Hudson Hero' Turns 75 - Spectacular Emergency Landing - 'Sully' Sullenberger turns 75, 15 years after the Miracle on the Hudson

Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, the pilot who famously landed a disabled plane on the Hudson River, turns 75 today. Fifteen years after the 'Miracle on the Hudson', he remains a key figure in aviation safety and public memory. His actions on that day saved all 155 people on board US Airways Flight 1549.

On January 15, 2009, Sullenberger successfully landed Flight 1549 on the Hudson River after a bird strike knocked out both engines. All passengers and crew survived, though five required brief hospital treatment for minor injuries. His calm voice during the emergency, recorded on the flight's black box, later went viral.

The incident became known worldwide as the 'Miracle on the Hudson'. In 2016, Clint Eastwood directed a film titled Sully, based on Sullenberger's autobiography, Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters. The book detailed his career and the events of that day.

After retiring from flying in 2010, Sullenberger continued advocating for aviation safety. In 2021, he criticised then-President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), arguing the nominee lacked proper experience. Later that year, President Joe Biden nominated Sullenberger as the U.S. ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

This week, he reunited with some of the passengers and crew from Flight 1549 in New York. The gathering marked 15 years since the emergency landing that defined his career.

Sullenberger's legacy extends beyond that single flight. His work in aviation safety and public service continues to influence the industry. Today, as he celebrates his 75th birthday, his contributions remain widely recognised.