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Hudson pilot makes funds appeal Hudson pilot warning on pay cuts
(20 minutes later)
The pilot of a plane that ditched into the Hudson River after its engines failed has appealed for more investment to keep the airline industry safe. The pilot of a plane that ditched into the Hudson River in New York has told a US Congress committee that pay cuts are hurting airline recruitment.
In a hearing at Congress, Capt Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger said the industry had been hit by an "economic tsunami". Capt Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger said his own pay had been cut by 40% in recent years, and urged airlines to invest in recruitment and training.
All 155 passengers and crew of Flight 1549 survived January's landing. "The single most important piece of safety equipment is an experienced, well-trained pilot," he said.
At the hearing, an air traffic controller recalled the captain telling him he would land in the river, and thinking this was a "death sentence." He was hailed as a hero after January's landing, which all on board survived.
At the hearing, an air traffic controller recalled the captain telling him he would land in the river, and thinking this was a "death sentence".
Controller Patrick Harten said it felt like hours before he heard of the plane's "heroic landing".
Earlier, Capt Sullenberger said he and other pilots had seen their wages cut, and that this was deterring potential recruits.
He said it was necessary for companies to refocus on the recruitment and training of pilots, and that this should be "at least as important as their bottom lines".