The term “hero” really doesn’t seem adequate for the, what, “superhero,” pilot who landed the US Airways jetliner in New York City’s Hudson River yesterday. Yeah, probably “superhero” is a better label for cool career pilot Chesley B. Sullenberger III. His quick, incredible action saved the lives of all on board, something like 155 passengers and crew.
The amazing thing about this crash landing, as several news sources have been pointing out on TV all morning, is that the pilot had to, 1) make a quick decision to hit the river, 2) navigate without power (or with little power?) into the relatively narrow landing area in the river, 3) avoid hitting a major NYC bridge, and, 4) set the plane down without breaking it apart or sinking it.
Kudos to all the crew, and to all the incredible rescue people who got those folks out of the nearly freezing river, and saved lives. A big salute to everyone involved!