Captain Chesley Sullenberger

When did Captain Sullenberger finish training?

Captain Sullenberger completed his requalification training on September 11, 2009.

Why has Captain Sullenberger taken longer to come back to work that First Officer Skiles?

We are giving the crew the time they need to decide what’s right for their futures. They are making their own decisions about when it’s right for them to come back to work.

Can you tell us more about Captain Sullenberger’s new position with US Airways?

Captain Sullenberger is returning to work at US Airways in a new role as a management pilot. In addition to his flying duties, Captain Sullenberger will join the airline's flight operations safety management team. US Airways is an industry leader in the implementation of the FAA's Safety Management System which is designed to help airlines better assess potential risks and act to mitigate them. Captain Sullenberger will be supporting this effort.

What is involved in training when a pilot has been off work for a while?

Captain Sullenberger and First Officer Skiles were required to attend recurrent ground school and simulator training and train to proficiency. Initial Operating Experience (IOE) training - line flying with a Captain from the training department - was also required for both.

We’ve heard Captain Sullenberger is writing a book. When does it come out?

We have heard the book will be released in October but please check with the publisher,
HarperCollins/William Morrow, or Alex Clemens, Captain Sullenberger's PR representative.

First Officer Jeff Skiles

When did First Officer Skiles finish training?

First Officer Jeff Skiles completed his requalification training on April 16, 2009.

How long has he been flying since he came back to work? How many flights?

First Officer Skiles has been flying regularly since he came back to work in April. Since that time he’s flown more than 60 flights.

What training did he have to do to return to work?

Both Captain Sullenberger and First Officer Skiles were required to attend recurrent ground school and simulator training and train to proficiency. Initial Operating Experience (IOE) training - line flying with a Captain from the training department - was also required for both.

General questions and answers

What are the details of Captain Sullenberger's return to flight and can we buy tickets?

Details of Captain Sullenberger's return to flight are outlined in a media advisory sent earlier this morning, which can also be accessed from our Press Room on usairways.com/sully. Anyone can purchase tickets, provided there are any available.

Your release says there will be a pool feed of video taken during the pre-flight prep. Where can we get it?

Please note that in the interest of safety and out of respect for passenger privacy
it will not be permitted to shoot images inflight. We have, though, arranged for pool shooting and distribution, both video and still photography, of Captain Sullenberger and First Officer Skiles performing their 'pre-flight check' before departing New York. The video elements will be distributed by CNN and will feed out on the Switch in New York on PL1A. The CNN contact is Mark Norman at 212-275-7820. The still photographs will be taken by the Associated Press and distributed on site. The AP contact is Aaron Jackson at 212-621-1902.

Has the airline changed any procedures in the wake of 1549?

At this time, we haven't made any changes to our procedures. We're awaiting pending results from the NTSB investigation, due out sometime early next year, and may revisit then.

Is Captain Sullenberger doing any additional media interviews today?

At the request of Captain Sullenberger and First Officer Skiles, there will be no additional media interviews today. All information about today’s events can be found on usairways.com/sully.