A US Airways pilot who landed a disabled plane in New York's Hudson River received a hero's welcome when he returned to his hometown of Danville, Calif., Saturday afternoon.
The town's mayor, along with 3,000 citizens, greeted Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and his family on the town green.
Sullenberger spoke briefly at the event, saying circumstance determined that he would be flying with an experienced crew on Jan. 15.
"We were simply doing the jobs we were paid to do," he said.
Sullenberger became a national star on Jan. 15 when he landed Flight 1549 on the river after both of the plane's engines failed following a collision with a flock of birds.
His efforts were credited with saving the lives of all 155 passengers and crew members on board.
Sullenberger has not spoken publicly since the incident.
Sullenberger did attend U.S. President Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony on Tuesday before returning to the West Coast later in the week.
The pilot will speak to a national American audience for the first time when he and his crew are interviewed by journalist Katie Couric.
The interview is scheduled to air on the program "60 Minutes" on Feb. 8.
Meanwhile, the Airbus A320, which was on its way from New York's La Guardia airport to Charlotte, N.C., when it went down, is being studied by investigators at a New Jersey marina.
With files from The Associated Press
