More than 15 years after the emergency landing that made him famous, Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger still attracts a crowd. "At a time when we all needed it, it gave us hope," Sullenberger said. "That's why, I think people still remember this and it still touches and inspires people." It was a winter day in 2009 when the U.S. Airways pilot and Purdue University alum landed a new title — hero. Moments after taking off from a New York City airport, Sullenberger's aircraft struck a flock of birds. He and first officer Jeff Scott knew they would have to land the plane, but they wouldn't make it back to the airport. Their only option: the Hudson River. "I was confident. I never thought I was going to die that day," Sullenberger said. "I don't think Jeff Scott thought so, either, but I never asked him that question. We're probably two of the few people who did not think they were going to die that day, quite frankly." All 155 people on board survived. The so-called "Miracle on the Hudson" garnered Sullenberger worldwide acclaim, and the story eventually became a blockbuster movie with Tom Hanks playing the role of Sully. Years after the day that changed his life, Sullenberger is still traveling the country, recounting the lessons learned. MORE: https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/chesley-sully-sullenberger-miracle-on-the-hudson-airline-safety-challenges-today-us-airways-purdue-university-jeff-scott-tom-hanks/531-ba928245-980a-460e-b27c-ae021b5b2451