Sullenberger, Skiles Will Share Their Story With Fellow Aviators

The cockpit crew from US Airways Flight 1549, involved in one of the most riveting aviation events in recent years, will share their experiences at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009, held at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh on July 27-August 2.

On January 15, 2009, the nation and world were captivated when Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and First Officer Jeff Skiles successfully executed an emergency landing of an Airbus A320 airliner in the Hudson River in New York City. The leadership and skills from all the flight's personnel saved 155 people aboard the airplane that day.

"These two pilots have told their story to the world since the remarkable events of January 15th, but at EAA AirVenture they'll have the opportunity to talk in-person with fellow aviators on how their training, planning and airmanship skills were tested," said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman and president, as well as AirVenture chairman. "There is perhaps no place better than Oshkosh where an audience would understand the decision-making process that took place in the cockpit that day and learn the lessons from these two pilots' experiences. We eagerly look forward to welcoming them to 'aviation's family reunion' at Oshkosh this summer."

Sullenberger and Skiles will be featured in a Theater in the Woods evening program hosted by longtime TV personality David Hartman on Friday, July 31, and also at other venues during the week.

Capt. Sullenberger has nearly 20,000 flight hours logged, and began his airline career with PSA Airlines in 1980. He also served in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of captain, and has been a flight instructor, accident investigator and national technical-committee member during his career.

Skiles has more than 20,000 flight hours and began his career with US Airways in 1986. The Oregon, WI resident is also a regular AirVenture attendee, as he began attending the EAA fly-in convention with his parents -- also pilots -- when it was in Rockford, IL in the 1960s.

FMI: www.airventure.org