Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger now on CBS Evening News

Chesley ‘Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot who landed a crippled jet in the Hudson River two years ago, has been named the new on-air aviation and safety expert for CBS Evening News. The national hero made his debut yesterday as he chatted with anchor Harry Smith about the Air France crash into the Atlantic Ocean. Over the past week, 75 bodies have been pulled from the 2009 crash site.

Sullenberger retired from being an active pilot last year, but says he took the job because he wants to keep a close eye on the airline industry. He’s been keeping busy with public speaking, consulting, and penning his second book. There aren’t many recognizable figures when it comes to aviation safety, so we’re happy to see Sullenberger speaking out and getting viewers attention. Watch his first appearance below and look for his signature white mustache as you flip through the channels.

[Photo by Grego!/flickr]