U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Air Force Academy got a taste of Hollywood Sept. 8 when cadets and staff watched an early screening of “Sully,” the story of the Academy graduate and pilot who safely landed a packed airliner on the Hudson River.
Sullenberger landed Flight 1549 on the river after it was struck by geese, Jan. 15, 2009, just after taking off from La Guardia Airport, New York. All 151 passengers survived.
Starring Tom Hanks and directed by Clint Eastwood, “Sully” focuses on the aftermath of Sullenberger’s water-landing and the investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Released Sept. 9 to more than 3,500 U.S. theaters, the film raked-in more $35.5 million over the weekend.
Chief Master Sgt. Max Grindstaff, the Academy’s command chief, was at the Colorado Springs theater in for the screening.
"I think it's safe to say anyone with military training or a military background will be as inspired as I was by this film,” he said. “It's terrific to see the heroic efforts of an Academy graduate on the big screen. I'd like to think his development as a cadet and a leader at the Academy played a role in the poise and calm he displayed while landing the plane."
Cadet 1st Class Paul Vasta said the movie helped validate the aircraft training cadets receive, particularly their training with forced landings. A forced landing is made under factors outside the pilot's control, such engine or systems failures and weather conditions.
“The film brought home a greater sense of importance because it showed how our training may affect our futures as officers and aviators,” he said. “Having an alumni as the main character in a feature film was a good opportunity to show the amazing things some academy grads do after graduation. We really rooted for him even though we knew the outcome.”
Cadet 1st Class Martin Sawyer agreed.
"It made me realize it is entirely possible I or one of my peers could end up in a similar situation one day," he said. "I can only hope that we will be as well composed and selfless as he [Sullenberger] was."
Grindstaff said the film deftly summarized the ensuing inquiry by the FAA.
"Back on the ground, Sully handled a pretty intense investigation but remained confident he had made the right choices,” he said. “I tend to agree, considering all passengers survived."
Sullenberger flew F-4 Phantom jets before joining US Airways. He lives in California and works as an airline safety consultant.