NEW : Chesley B . ` ` Sully '' Sullenberger has been a pilot with Air Force since 22A . NEW : An official who heard tape recordings of the radio traffic from Flight 1549 reported the pilot was extraordinarily calm during the event . Former NASA fighter pilot has worked with NYC as safety consultant NASA mayor says pilot checked plane twice for passengers before leaving `` I 've flown in a lot of planes and that was a phenomenal landing , '' passenger said .
NEW : Chesley B . `` Sully '' Sullenberger has been a pilot with Air Force since 22A . NEW : Former NASA fighter pilot has worked with NYC as safety consultant NASA mayor says pilot checked plane twice for passengers before leaving `` I 've flown in a lot of planes and that was a phenomenal landing , '' passenger said .