High-flying hero pilot Chesley Sullenberger confessed that he's been enjoying "rock star sex" in the wake of being dubbed a national hero.

Sully, who landed a US Airways jetliner safely in New York Hudson's River earlier this year, said in an interview for NBC's "People of the Year" TV special set to air on Thursday that the near-tragic incident has added some sizzle to his sex life.

"He doesn't know I'm going to say this, but I had joked the other day that ... the hero sex really helps a 20-year-old marriage," wife Laurie Sullengerger said.

"Rock star sex," Sully said.

The 58-year old became an overnight celebrity after his heroic efforts spared the lives of all 155 on board.

Sully was among Taylor Swift, octomom Nadya Suleman, Susan Boyle and Kobe Bryant in the hour-long special.