Heads up -- 60 Minutes has Captain Sullenberger's first interview tonight.

[crispini]

I know I'll be watching. Still can't get over that story, and can't wait to hear the first person account.

(CBS) Hero pilot Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger reveals for the first time the sights, sounds and physical sensations he experienced as he pulled off an incredible water landing last month, saving the lives of all 155 people aboard US Airways Flight 1549.

He tells his riveting story for the first time to Katie Couric in an interview to be broadcast on 60 Minutes this Sunday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

On Jan. 15, less than two minutes after taking off from LaGuardia Airport en route to Charlotte, N.C., the Airbus A320 struck a flock of large birds and lost power in both engines. An eerie silence and a disturbing smell followed. It was a moment like no other for the aircraft's captain. "It was the worst sickening, pit-of-your-stomach, falling-through-the-floor feeling I've ever felt in my life," Sullenberger tells Couric. "I knew immediately it was very bad."

"Did you think, 'How are we going to get ourselves out of this?'" Couric asks. Sullenberger replies, "No. My initial reaction was one of disbelief."

more...

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/30/60minutes/main4764852.shtml

[NJCher]

1. I'm excited about this interview

I checked out CBS's web site to be sure it was going to run tonight.

It's been so long since America's seen a real professional. It will be great to hear the story from his point-of-view.



Cher

[ThomWV]

8. To be honest with you, I don't think he has much to say

What can he say? I am trained in what to do when things go wrong, particularly immediately after takeoff. I hit some birds and I landed the plane in the only reasonably safe place I could reach. I did it in accordance with the training I received. End of story.

[TahitiNut]

9. Everyday competence is what I call 'heroism' ... not just a flash in the pan.

My grandfather who, with a 4th grade education from Norway, came to the U.S. and raised five children through the Great Depression and worked every day of his life -- even with a crushed foot from an industrial accident -- has been a 'hero' to me all of my life. The people who say "you do what you have to do" and go about doing it without guile or deceit or shortcuts are heroes to me.

I'd rather have Sully in the cockpit than twenty one-time 'heroes.'

[ThomWV]

10. What do you call a person who, at great personal peril, runs into a burning building to save another

Or the guy in war who charges the machine gun nest to save his buddies - what do you call them if your "Hero" doesn't have to do anything much more than make it from cradel to grave in an honerable fashion?

[TahitiNut]

11. A "brother."

The acts for which medals were awarded are but a fraction of what happened. (I'm sure you know this.) I served with 'heroes' -- people who could be relied on to "do the right thing" ... because that was an everyday thing.

I sure don't miss Viet Nam ... but I *DO* miss the relationships. Buddies. "Brothers."

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

2. has it been confirmed that he is a democrat?

[crispini]

5. Haha-- I don't know, and actually, I don't care.

He's a talented pilot and I'm looking forward to his story regardless of political affiliation.

[rvablue]

3. Kicking so those who are interested will see this! n/t

[tilsammans]

4. Another kick for the brave captain, crew, passengers, rescuers, . . .

. . . and everyone involved in one of the greatest rescues in modern history!

:applause:

[pokerfan]

6. k&r

I assume that everyone has heard the tapes the FAA released.

http://www.faa.gov/data_statistics/accident_incident/1549

[malaise]

7. Thanks

I'll be watching