The US Airways pilot who safely landed the aircraft with 155 people aboard at the Hudson River after its engine failed, got a hero’s welcome Saturday in his hometown.
Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, the aircraft’s pilot told thousands of well wishers who were wafting for his return that ‘he and his crew were only doing their jobs’.
Foxnews.com: ‘Sullenberger said he was grateful for the outpouring of support since January 15 emergency landing and that he and his crew were only doing their jobs.
‘Circumstances determined that it was this experienced crew that was scheduled to fly that particular flight on that particular day’ he told the crowd.
‘But I know I can speak for the entire crew when I tell you we were only doing the job we were trained to do’.
It was Sullenberger’s first public comment since he brought Flight 1549 to an emergency river landing in New York.
The pilot’s wife Lorraine said she was amazed at the outpouring of support from and warm treatment from the public. She said, ‘I have always known him to be an exemplary pilot. I knew what the outcome will be on that day because I knew my husband. But mostly for me, he’s the man that makes my cup of tea every morning’.
Around 3,000 people gathered in the town square as Sulleberger was given the key to the city. He was named honorary Danville Police Officer.
President Barack Obama said that he has spoken to Sullenberger who told him: ‘me and my crew, we were just doing our job’. Obama says: ‘And it made me think , if everybody did their job-whatever that job was-as well as the pilot did his job, we’d be in pretty good shape’.
US Airways said it was extremely proud of the professional crew of Flight 1549.
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