He speculated about what might have happened to Flight 1549 after it collided with the geese if the plane had been controlled by a remote pilot.

CNN: Who's really flying the plane?

This week's announcement is the latest update on the pledge to "investigate measures to help with fuel costs in remote rural areas, starting with pilot schemes" in the coalition's Programme for Government of May 2010.

BBC: Danny Alexander dampens fuel rebate hopes

For Sullenberger -- perhaps the nation's most famous pilot -- the idea of remote-controlled airliners triggers a lot of critical questions.

CNN: Who's really flying the plane?