‘Miracle On The Hudson’ Plane Gets New North Carolina Home

There are certain days in my broadcasting career I'll never forget.  Of course, being on the air, the morning of September 11, 2oo1 is at the forefront.  Also on the list is the afternoon of January 15, 2009.  I can see the wheels turning in your head from here.  How soon we forget "The Miracle on the Hudson."

US Airways Flight 1549 was on its regularly scheduled run from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte Douglas Airport when a stunning string of events occurred.  Almost immediately after takeoff the plane came into contact with a flock of geese.  The plane lost power and was forced to attempt to land in The Hudson River.  Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger was able to pull off what's been called "the most successful ditching in aviation history."  All 155 souls were saved (just a few with serious injuries).  And "Sully?"  Well, he got what we like to call the "Tom Hanks" treatment.

And then there's the plane.  I remember the Airbus 320 being fished out of the Hudson and transported here to Charlotte and honestly, I'd forgotten about it.  Turns out the plane has been cleaned up and restored to exhibition condition and is now slated as the crown jewel in the collection of more than 40 authentic commercial, civil, and military aircraft on display at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum.  IKR?  He gets Tom Hanks to play him in a movie AND his own museum?  It's cool to be Sully.

Stephen Saucier is the president of the Sullenberger Aviation Museum and tells Queen City News, “We are charged with preserving this historic plane, the stories, and the lives of those saved.”

You'll be able to check out the famous "Miracle on the Hudson" plane and all the other aviation artifacts when The Sullenberger Aviation Museum opens next summer.  The building is currently under construction at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

Did you know you can get free admission to many Charlotte area museums? Actually, you can, the first weekend of every month. The program is called "Museums on Us" and is sponsored by Bank of America and Merril nationwide. Simply bring a valid Bank of America or Merill credit or debit card and matching photo ID for admission. The free admission is only valid for the cardholder all guests must have their own card.

In addition to just Charlotte area museums, the program includes more than 225 cultural institutions nationwide. It is important to note that in some instances this will exclude special exhibits. Additionally, individually ticketed are not included.

The fine print:

Museums included in Charlotte are: 

Address: 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28207

Address: 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28207

Address: 551 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Address: 200 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Address: 420 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202