The well known US Airways pilot, who was able to make an emergency landing in the Hudson River last year, is now retiring after 30 years of service. The pilot, Capitan Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger, is 59 years old. He joined the US carrier back in 1980. In 2007, the mandatory retirement age was 60, but now commercial pilots are allowed to fly until the age of 65.

One of the flight attendants who was also in the Hudson landing event, Doreen Welsh age 59, is also retiring. She joined the US Airways group back in the 1970’s.

All of the 150 passengers that were on the plane at the time of the emergency landing survived. The plane had to make an emergency landing after the engines were struck by birds. The plane landed within minutes of taking off from New York’s LaGuardia Airport. It was suppose to be flying to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Ever since this famous flight last year, Sullenberger has been a very busy man. He has testified before Congress regarding pilot safety, given speeches about education, and he even wrote his own book, “Brace for Impact.” Last September he became a member of the US Airways flight operation safety management team.

Sullenberger flew his final flight to his home base at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Wednesday afternoon. At this point, he will be officially retiring at a private ceremony with fellow pilots and other US Airways employees. Captain James Ray, a spokesman for US Airways Pilots Association, said that Sullenberger plans to now spend more time with his family in retirement.