US Airways pilot Sullenberger retires
Phoenix Business Journal
Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 10:05am MST

US Airways Group Inc. Wednesday announced the retirement of Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who piloted Flight 1549 during its emergency water landing on the Hudson River in January 2009, and flight attendant Doreen Welsh, who helped guide 150 passengers to safety on the same flight.

Sullenberger, 59, joined PSA Airlines in 1980, which after a number of acquisition became US Airways (NYSE:LCC). He also was a member of US Airways’ flight operations safety management team.

Welsh, 59, joined Allegheny Airlines, another previous iteration of US Air, in 1970. Both Sullenberger and Welsh are based out of US Airways’ Charlotte, N.C., hub.

Sullenberger was flying his last flight Thursday with First Officer Jeff Skiles, his copilot during the emergency water landing in the Hudson River after striking a flock of geese shortly after takeoff causing a loss of power. All occupants were rescued.