Obama and Bush both praise US Airways pilot

Not too many people can say they talked to President Bush and President-elect Obama on the same day.

Well, not too many people can say they successfully landed an airplane in the Hudson River saving the lives of everyone on board either. But that's what happens when you are Captain Chelsey Sullenberger III, the pilot of US Airways Flight 1549.

Two calls

The hero's hero was called by both President Bush and President-elect Obama today. Their respective press secretaries had news of the conversations (although sparse) in emails sent out to reporters this evening.

"The president praised him for his amazing skills in bringing his plane down safely, for his bravery, and for his heroic efforts to ensure the safety of his passengers and the people in the area," said White House Press Secretary Dana Perino.

In a phone conversation lasting five minutes, Obama had like-minded praise said incoming White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

"The President-elect told Capt. Sullenberger how proud everyone was for the heroic and graceful job he had done in landing the damaged aircraft yesterday," Gibbs said.

"The President-elect also thanked his crew and the many people on the scene in New York for ensuring the safety of everyone on board the plane," he said.