Flight 1549 Pilot A Glider Instructor

My commenting on it won't add to the significance of the accomplishment or the accolades already given, but I think the fact the pilot was used to flying without engines is an important point.

I wish I had more experience in gliders, but my little bit of quiet flying did teach me a lot. One is the simple realization that a plane will continue to fly with the engine off. Along with that realization probably comes a reduction in the fear factor should the engine stop, hopefully keeping the mind calm enough to evaluate and react to the situation.

Another benefit is a better feel for the energy state of the aircraft and an idea of how far you can make it. Being overly ambitious and trying to stretch the glide is one of the reasons for failed power off landings.

More of us should at least take some introductory glider flights to get the benefit of the training.

Flight 1549 Pilot A Glider Instructor - The pilot who guided a US Airways A320 to arguably the most successful airliner ditching in history on Thursday would appear to be well drilled in deadstick landings. Capt. Chesley Burnett Sullenberger III holds commercial and instructor glider ratings, along with ground instructor, single engine and muli-engine instructor ratings, according to the FAA's airman certificate database.