Pilot, crew of sunk US Airways plane to attend Obama's inauguration

Washington, Jan.19 (ANI): US Airways pilot Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger and his family have been invited to attend Barack Obama's inauguration.

The New York Times quoted Mayor Newell Arnerich of Danville, California, as saying on Sunday that Sullenberger, his wife Lorraine and two daughters have left for the east coast to attend the landmark event.

An aide to President-elect Barack Obama said Sunday evening that all five members of the Flight 1549 crew have been invited to the inauguration Tuesday.

It may be recalled that Sullenberger landed his crippled aircraft safely in the Hudson River off Manhattan last Thursday, miraculously saving the lives of over 150 passengers.

The pilot's wife and daughters haven't seen Sullenberger since he's been hailed as a hero for saving the lives of all 155 on board.

Danville has scheduled a celebration Saturday for Sullenberger. Arnerich said the event is tentative because he is not sure when the pilot will return home. (ANI)