Sully gets laughs on David Letterman

He has gotten a phone call from the president, a key to New York City and a standing ovation at a Broadway show. Nowthe pilot who safely landed his crippled jetliner in the HudsonRiver has gotten another all-American tribute -- some ribbing from

David Letterman.

Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and his fellow crew membersfrom US Airways Flight 1549 appeared Tuesday on the "Late Showwith David Letterman" and retold the dramatic story of the Jan. 15 flight -- this time, with plenty of laughs.

An example, according to the show's transcript: Letterman mentioned a passenger who opened a door in the rear of the plane, letting in water from the near-freezing river until it was closed again. Sullenberger jokingly replied, "I think it was Steve Martinwho did that," referring to the comedian.

- Click to see photos of Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger on David Letterman, and around NYC

And when the host asked whether the Airbus A320 was designed tofloat, Sullenberger deadpanned, "We were very glad that this oneremained intact and did."

The captain even addressed his now-ubiquitous nickname: "With aname like Chesley, Sully is just going to have to happen."

Sullenberger's crew mates generated several chuckles of theirown, as when Letterman marveled at the plane's passage 1,000 feetover the George Washington Bridge minutes after birds apparentlyflew into and disabled both the aircraft's engines.

"It's better than zero feet," first officer and co-pilot JeffSkiles said.

On a serious note, Sullenberger said the crew members haveexperienced some trouble sleeping, distractedness and flashbacks.

"You know, each of us, all five of us, have experienced some ofthose typical symptoms. It's just human nature," saidSullenberger, who was joined as well by flight attendants SheilaDail, Donna Dent and Doreen Welsh.

Asked whether she was in shock after the emergency landing and safe rescue of all 155 people aboard, Welsh said, "Still in shock, I think -- I mean, I'm on the David Letterman show."

- Click to see photos of Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger on David Letterman, and around NYC