Chesley Sullenberger American passenger airline pilot instructor, safety and accident investigation expert for the US National Transportation Security Agency Date of Birth: 23.01.1951 Country: USA

Biography of Chesley Sullenberger III

Chesley Sullenberger III, an American airline pilot, safety expert, and investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board, was born on January 23, 1951. He gained worldwide recognition for his heroic act of saving 155 lives through a successful emergency landing of Flight 1549 in the Hudson River, after taking off from LaGuardia Airport in New York City bound for Charlotte, North Carolina. This miraculous rescue became known as the "Miracle on the Hudson".

Sullenberger was born into a family of Swiss immigrants. His father was a dentist, and his mother was a middle school teacher. He grew up alongside his sister, Mary Wilson, who recalls his early fascination with airplanes. She often witnessed him building model planes from anything he could find. Sullenberger's parents believe that his love for aircraft was influenced by his father's stories of service in the Navy.

Even at a young age, Sullenberger displayed exceptional intelligence and was known for his high IQ. At the age of 14, he obtained his pilot's license. In school, Sullenberger was actively involved in various activities, including serving as the president of the Latin Club, playing the first flute in the school orchestra, and being recognized as an outstanding student. His school friends recall his passion for aviation and constant observation and study of airplanes. He was also an active member of the Memorial United Methodist Church in Denison.

After graduating from high school, Sullenberger decided to pursue a career in the U.S. Air Force Academy. In 1969, he was selected as one of the volunteers for a special cadet training program, which enabled him to become a flight instructor by the end of the academic year. Sullenberger earned a bachelor's degree from the Air Force Academy and later completed a master's degree in psychology and exact sciences at Purdue University. Throughout his educational journey, he received numerous awards, including the Outstanding Cadet title in the annual Flight Proficiency Competition.

From 1975 to 1980, Sullenberger served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. His dedication and talent led him to achieve the rank of captain, and he gained extensive experience serving at multiple Air Force bases. He also participated in investigating several aviation accidents. After seven years of service in the Air Force, Sullenberger joined US Airways, where he has worked for the past 29 years. During this time, he founded his own consulting company specializing in developing new and maximum safe working methods in various high-risk areas of human activity. He is also a professional crisis psychologist.

Sullenberger currently resides in Danville with his wife and two daughters. On the fateful day of the Miracle on the Hudson, he was piloting an Airbus A320. Shortly after takeoff, he made an emergency landing in the heart of Manhattan after realizing that returning to the airport was impossible. Professional pilots and experts consider this event to be the most remarkable case of successful rescue in the history of U.S. commercial aviation. According to official calculations, if Sullenberger had miscalculated the angle, the plane could have crashed into the water, breaking its wings. However, Sullenberger maintained complete control of the aircraft. His colleagues describe his behavior as predictable, as he is not only a skilled pilot but also an expert who has studied numerous aviation accidents. He knows exactly how to handle a crisis situation.

Today, Chesley Sullenberger is a national hero in America, having saved 155 lives.