As much as JetBlue likely wants to put Slater's and Osbon's outbursts behind them, Johnson said there's another reason why Dowd may not want to go public.
"He's probably just very low key and just thinks he did what he was supposed to do," Johnson said.
Sullenberger talked extensively about his unlikely celebrity status after crash landing in the Hudson in 2009. He later wrote a book, took part in the making of a documentary and spoke out on issues affecting pilots, including pensions and flight hour regulations. But the shine of the public eye was overwhelming at times, and he equated it to having a fire hose pointed at him.
A spokeswoman for Sullenberger said he declined to comment on this story. His co-pilot Jeff Giles couldn't be reached for comment. Both gave up their flying careers after the accident.
For Dowd, fame could bring opportunities, but Johnson said the pros have to be weighed with the burden of constant attention.
"It will bring some attention to him when he'd rather have it just fade away," Johnson said. "But Sully was your American hero. Sully was apple pie. And this guy might be as well."
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Sheeran reported from Salem; Bomkamp from New York. Associated Press writers John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; and Oskar Garcia in Las Vegas; and researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York contributed to this report.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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