'Miracle on the Hudson' Pilot Returns to the Skies
Not only is he back doing what he loves, but Sullenberger is also thriving as part of the airline's safety management team and author of an upcoming book.
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October 2, 2009
Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger - whose composure and skill allowed all 153 passengers and crew to survive the crash landing in the Hudson River earlier this year - is flying again.
Sullenberger was greeted with applause when he introduced himself as the captain on Thursday's US Airways Flight 1050 that took off from Charlotte, North Carolina, bound for LaGuardia Airport.
Not only is he back doing what he loves, but Sullenberger is also thriving as part of the airline's safety management team and author of an upcoming book.
Government statistics suggest 19 out of 20 people make it out of airliner crashes safely, and experts have offered tips on increasing the chances of survival, which include counting the number of rows between one's seat and the nearest exit when boarding the plane.
After the plane has crash landed, it is important to leave the scene as fast as possible because it can quickly become toxic or explosive. If there is enough time, and no immediate help from the outside, it may be a good idea to take basic medicines and a blanket when leaving a crashed airplane to protect oneself from the elements.
For those who survive a plane going down in water, the Discovery Channel advises people to get clear and upwind of the aircraft but remain in the vicinity until it sinks. It is also important to get clear of fuel-covered water in case it ignites, and try to find other survivors.
