How Sullenberger Really Saved US Airways Flight 1549

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Immediately after the accident, I was talking to a United pilot (currently in training on the Airbus 320) and he told me that the passengers disregarded (and perhaps overpowered) the cabin crew's instructions NOT to open the rear doors on the cabin.
Is there any truth to this? If so, why isn't it being reported?
Clearly, the entire flight crew and especially the pilot and co-pilot are to be commended for their efforts. I hope the passengers were as responsible.

BRZ of CA 5:41PM February 03, 2009

As a former Flight Attendant (for another Airline), I have to say that this was incredibly the “perfect Ditching”. Obviously the Captain and F/O did a magnificent job, but please let’s not forget the Flight attendants. The draining for ditching if my memory is correct, gives the F/A’s 90 seconds to clear the A/C. 90 seconds it took on the Hudson – Perfect!
The more I read about this ditching, the more I realize how amazing the 5 crew members were! All the power to them!

Gil of NC 5:18PM February 03, 2009

Why shouldn't medical doctors have the same type of training and supervision? A bit off-topic, but the AMA could use a few lessons from the FAA.
This would be the best Medical Malpractice "Tort Reform." Forget about caps on punitive damages.

Rich of NC 3:59PM February 03, 2009

In any unplanned emergency landing, flight attendants shout commands in sequence:
"BRACE! Stay down!"
"Bend over! Stay Down"
"Open seat belts! Grab Life vest! Get Out!"
"Come this way, there is an exit here!"
"Come this way, life raft here!"
"No exit, go forward!"
"No exit, GO BACK"
"Step into the raft!"
"Jump and sit! Get away from the plane!"
"Leave everything behind!"
"You! Pull the handle down, pull the window in, exit! Leg, body leg!"

brian grennan of CA 12:38PM February 03, 2009

...and yet these pilots are the lowest paid in the industry. They are even paid less than their America West counterparts.

gracy adler of GA 11:57AM February 03, 2009

Aviation incidents usually involve a "chain of failures", no one of which would be fatal, but combined, they produce an adverse outcome.
By contrast, the 1549 story is about a "chain of successes" -- cockpit and cabin crew training, safety briefing, passenger cooperation, volunteer and professional first responders -- each one of which contributed, and combined to produce a remarkable and miraculous outcome.

LongTimeObserver of NY 11:30AM February 03, 2009

All aboard were very "lucky" that their airport of departure happened to be near a big flat river. Most are not. And they were even luckier that Captain Sullenberger could 1) Make a sound, fast decision and 2) Fly a glider with skill and confidence.

Muser of NM 11:14AM February 03, 2009