Hero of the week: Hudson River plane crash pilot's first interview

The hero pilot who safely landed his crippled jet on New York's Hudson River has told how he felt "calm on the outside, turmoil on the inside".

Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger guided the US Airways Airbus 320 - with 154 passengers onboard - to a perfect emergency splash landing when its engines cut out after apparently hitting a flock of geese.

Speaking after getting a standing ovation during the Super Bowl in Tampa, Florida, the cool-headed 58-year-old described the drama as "shocking" and "surreal".

In a brief interview he told US TV: "It was very quiet as we worked, my co-pilot and I. We were a team. But to have zero thrust coming out of those engines was shocking... the silence."

Asked how he felt as the jet glided towards the water, veteran flyer Sullenberger - who is desperate to play down his heroics - admitted: "Calm on the outside, turmoil inside."

Flight 1549 lost power in both engines after the bird strike on take-off from New York's LaGuardia Airport on January 15 and he made the split-second decision to ditch in the icy water to save crashing into the city.

His proud wife Lorrie revealed they have been flooded with fan mail. She said: "It allows both of us to express emotion about it all. We both sit there and cry."

All passengers and crew members were plucked to safety unhurt - with the brave dad of two wading waist-deep in water to check the aisles before being rescued last.

President Barack Obama gave him VIP seats at his inauguration, while Virgin boss Richard Branson has offered him a top job.

Last night it emerged Capt Sullenberger had asked his home library in Danville, California, to waive fees for an overdue book - after it sank with the plane.

Stunned officials quickly agreed.