CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This Sunday will mark the 14th anniversary of the "Miracle on Hudson."

What You Need To Know

  • In 2009, Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger safely landed a Charlotte-bound plane in the Hudson River in New York City

  • Over 100 people were on the flight

  • A Charlotte museum is changing its name in honor of Sullenberger

In 2009, U.S. Airways Flight 1549 was leaving New York City, destined for Charlotte.

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot, Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, made an emergency landing in the Hudson River. 

Over 100 lives were saved, and the event was coined the "Miracle on the Hudson."

The now retired pilot was recognized again for his actions during a special ceremony at the Renaissance West Steam Academy. 

The Carolinas Aviation Museum on Thursday unveiled its new name: The Sullenberger Aviation Museum. 

Last year, during a groundbreaking ceremony, the museum announced the new name in honor of Sullenberger. But on Thursday, Sullenberger was able to see in-person what his name will look like on the building. 

Sullenberger says he was surprised when he learned about the renaming of the museum.

"It was a great honor, a surprise," Sullenberger said. "I had to think about it. I wanted to make sure it was something my whole family would be comfortable with, my wife and my adult daughters. And ultimately we all came to the same conclusion, that yes this is a very good thing. If we can use our name to help promote aviation, help promote STEM, then we're in."

This STEM community says the new museum will support students, like 15-year-old Kenian Mickle, who dreams of working in this profession. 

Mickle says he's passionate about robotics. 

He joined a robotics club and participates in team competitions. He also does online coding activities sponsored by the aviation museum. 

Mickle says support from the museum and STEM community is helping to build his confidence so he can achieve his career dreams. 

"​It helps me with my STEM and other competitions because without it, I don't think I'd be in this position right now," Mickle said. 

Mickle attended the event honoring Sullenberger and got his chance to meet the pilot. 

"That felt really inspiring for me," Mickle said. "I really want to take his actions and words to the next level."

Museum leaders say this response is just one example of why Sullenberger's name will be on the new building. 

Their mission is for the new museum to make an impact in the community by meeting these goals: 

  • To inspire present and future generations of aerospace and STEM innovators
  • To educate on the impact of aviation and aerospace in our lives, culture and economy
  • To elevate diversity in STEM and aerospace to catalyze economic mobility. 

Education leaders hope seeing Sullenberger's name on the museum will remind students like Mickle anything is possible in the world of STEM. 

Don Robbins serves as the programs coordinator for Coulwood STEM Academy. He says this museum is helping more students to learn about opportunities they might have not otherwise known existed. 

"We've been [my school] involved with the museum since 2016," Robbins said. "The museum has been phenomenal with providing leadership and teaching to our kids and students at other schools who don't have these opportunities. It's hard not to tear up, it's exciting. It's amazing to see what they're doing."

"It's a challenge I will have to conquer and go through," Mickle said. 

The new museum will also house the Miracle on the Hudson aircraft.

The Sullenberger Aviation Museum, near the Charlotte Douglas Airport, is expected to be open later this year.