According to AOL News: A little over a year after he saved 150 lives by nailing an emergency landing in New York’s Hudson River, Capt. Chesley Sullenberger is retiring from US Airways. Sully, as he is known, was hailed as a hero after safely guiding a commercial jetliner to the water landing after both engines were lost to a bird strike.
“Thirty years ago last Thursday, I began my airline career,” Sullenberger, 59, said in a statement to MSNBC. “I have been fortunate to have followed my passion for most of my life, working in a profession I dearly love. … Though I am retiring, I will continue to serve as the same kind of advocate I have always been — not only for aviation safety, but for the airline piloting profession. I will work to remind the entire industry — and those who manage and regulate it — that we have a sacred duty to our passengers to do the very best that we know how to do.”
Doreen Welsh, who served as a flight attendant on the famous flight, also announced her retirement. US Airways announced the news in a statement this morning. “I am extremely proud of Captain Sullenberger and Doreen for their quick thinking and courageous actions on January 15, 2009,” said US Airways Chairman and CEO Doug Parker.
On Sullenberger’s Facebook page, where the pilot has over 589,000 supporters, fans wished him well. “You are a genuine American hero,” one wrote. “Best wishes in your well-earned retirement.”
On Twitter, the reaction was the same. “Might as well end on a high note. What do you do after landing a plane on the hudson?” one person wrote. “Ah, sad: Capt Sully retires,” another tweeter lamented. “Dunno about u, but I feel less safe…”
