Originally Posted by
KyleTheAviator
I believe Captain Sullenberger (the pilot who landed in the hudson river in New York after losing both engines to bird strike), was a glider pilot.
He was for a few years whilst a student at the US Air Force Academy but he already held a PPL by then.
He learnt to fly aged 16 in an Aeronca 7DC (more commonly known as a Champ) and says the training he received then from the FI at his local strip was the foundation for the rest of his career.
A very impressive man - not just because of what he achieved on the day that turned him into a household name.