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Carolinas Museum Of Aviation Becomes Sullenberger Aviation Museum

The former Carolinas Museum of Aviation to become Sullenberger Aviation Museum
Sullenberger Aviation Museum [Image Carolinas Aviation Museum: Home of “Miracle on the Hudson” Flight 1549 on Facebook]

The former Carolinas Museum of Aviation is in the process of moving and is also getting a new name. The museum is to be dubbed Sullenberger Aviation Museum after Captain Chesley Sullenberger. Meanwhile, Captain “Sully” Sullenberger became famous in 2009 for safely landing a plane on the Hudson River. The grueling incident was called the Miracle on the Hudson for Sully’s quick thinking which made him a true hero.

Carolinas Museum of Aviation to become Sullenberger Aviation Museum

Many people will recall the movie, Sully, which was released in 2016. The movie was directed by Clint Eastwood and starred Tom Hanks in the title role. In fact, the movie told the true story of Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger.

After a bird strike, Sully managed to land the aircraft safely on the Hudson River. Meanwhile, the incident was named the “Miracle on the Hudson, leading Clint Eastwood to direct the movie. In fact, he wanted to tell the world about Sully’s quick thinking and bravery.

The former Carolinas Museum of Aviation to become Sullenberger Aviation Museum
Sullenberger Aviation Museum [Image Carolinas Aviation Museum: Home of “Miracle on the Hudson” Flight 1549 on Facebook]

Now, the former Carolinas Museum of Aviation is moving into a new, larger space and is getting a new name, the Sullenberger Aviation Museum. Meanwhile, the museum will reopen in its new premises later this year, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for September 27.

Miracle on the Hudson River

Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger was the pilot of US Airways Flight 1649, flying from New York City to Charlotte, North Carolina, where the museum is located. As many of the passengers saved by Sully live in and around Charlotte, the aircraft is the best-known exhibit at the museum.

Sullenberger Aviation Museum
US Airways Flight 1649 [Image Carolinas Aviation Museum: Home of “Miracle on the Hudson” Flight 1549 on Facebook]

One of the US Airways Flight 1549 passengers was Ric Elias, the Charlotte-based CEO of Red Ventures, who contributed significant funds to the museum. Speaking of the incident, Elias said in a statement:

Flight 1549 changed the course of my life and gave me the ultimate gift of a second chance.

The Museum is a tribute to the courage of Captain Sullenberger and the entire flight crew, and my hope is that it will also inspire young innovators to change the world.

About the Sullenberger Aviation Museum

The former Carolinas Museum of Aviation to become Sullenberger Aviation Museum
Sullenberger Aviation Museum [Image Carolinas Aviation Museum: Home of “Miracle on the Hudson” Flight 1549 on Facebook]

With its reopening in new premises, the reimagined museum will feature a new exhibit, focusing on advances made in the aviation industry. Moreover, it will offer programs to get young people interested in studying math, science and tech.

Speaking of the new museum, CNN quotes Sullenberger, who retired in 2010, as saying:

I feel privileged that my name will be associated with such an awe-inspiring institution that is actively working to expand social, cultural and economic mobility in Charlotte and beyond.

it is our hope that as more than a collection of aircraft, the Sullenberger Aviation Museum will serve as a vehicle of opportunity to inspire and elevate the next generation of innovators and future heroes.

The trailer for the movie Sully, based on the heroics of Captain Sullenberger, is included below with an intro from Clint Eastwood.