The Sully Sullenberger Aviation Museum - renamed in his honour

A new name and larger facility mark the next chapter for what was once known as the Carolinas Museum of Aviation.

The Sullenberger Aviation Museum will reopen this year, with a ribbon cutting ceremony planned for September 27.

Pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who in 2009 gained a household name after his successful water landing of a passenger jet in the Hudson River, is the inspiration for the new name of the airport. Because of Sullenberger's rapid thinking after the bird hit, the occurrence became known as "the Miracle on the Hudson."

The museum was on his itinerary when he flew US Airways Flight 1549 from New York City to Charlotte, North Carolina. T he plane itself is the museum's most popular attraction.

The Charlotte-based CEO of Red Ventures, Ric Elias, was a passenger on US Airways Flight 1549 and made a sizeable donation to the museum.

"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", Elias declared.

Sullenberger, who is now retired for 13 years, added:

"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."

In 2016, a movie titled "Sully" was produced, which was based on Sullenberger's life and the events surrounding the Miracle on the Hudson. Tom Hanks played the main character, and the film was directed by Clint Eastwood.

A new section dedicated to aviation's technological advancements will be added to the redesigned museum, along with initiatives to pique visitors' interest in STEM subjects.

 

Source: cnn.com