
This is the ATC tapes of US Airways Flight 1549 just before they landed on the Hudson. On January 15, 2009, Sullenberger was pilot in command of an Airbus A320 from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte/Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina. The flight was designated as US Airways Flight 1549 as well as United Airlines Flight 1919.However, after taking off, Sullenberger reported to air traffic control (ATC) that the plane had hit a large flock of birds, disabling both engines.Several passengers saw the left engine on fire.Sullenberger discussed with ATC the possibilities of either returning to LaGuardia or attempting to land at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. However, he quickly decided neither was feasible, and determined to ditch in the Hudson River.Sullenberger told the passengers to "brace for impact", then piloted the plane to a smooth ditching in the river at about 3:31 PMAll passengers and crew members survived. He later said, "It was very quiet as we worked, my co-pilot and I. We were a team. But to have zero thrust coming out of those engines was shocking—the silence."Sullenberger checked the plane cabin twice before being the last to evacuate the aircraft. The Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, said that Sullenberger and his crew will receive the "Key to the City".A fan club dedicated to Sullenberger was created on the social networking website Facebook within hours of the news.US President George W. Bush called Sullenberger to <b>...</b>
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1549
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Tape