Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger disclosed new information about his Alzheimer’s disease and reflected on his final flight during a public appearance in New York City on September 23, 2026. The former airline captain, best known for safely landing a passenger jet on the Hudson River in 2009, used the occasion to speak openly about his health condition for the first time in detail.
Sullenberger’s remarks came as part of a scheduled event in Manhattan, where he addressed an audience of journalists and supporters. He described how the diagnosis was confirmed and outlined the steps he has taken since learning of the disease. While he refrained from providing specific medical statistics, he emphasized the importance of early detection and the support he has received from medical professionals and family members.
In addition to discussing his health, Sullenberger reflected on the flight that marked the end of his commercial piloting career. He recounted the circumstances surrounding his last scheduled flight, noting the sense of closure it provided after decades in the cockpit. The captain’s recollection highlighted the routine nature of that final journey, contrasting it with the dramatic emergency landing that defined his public legacy.
The former pilot’s willingness to share his personal experience adds a new dimension to the public’s understanding of his life after the Hudson River rescue. Since the 2009 incident, Sullenberger has remained a prominent figure in aviation safety advocacy and has authored several books. His recent disclosure about Alzheimer’s marks a shift toward raising awareness of the disease among a broader audience.
Sullenberger’s candid conversation in New York City underscores his ongoing commitment to public service, now extending to health education. By speaking openly about his diagnosis and his final flight, he aims to encourage others facing similar challenges to seek support and maintain hope.
The event concluded without further comment from the former captain, leaving the public with a clearer picture of his current circumstances and a reminder of his enduring influence in both aviation and personal resilience.