Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters

Highest Duty chronicles Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger's journey from his first childhood encounters with aviation to his career as a commercial airline pilot. The memoir provides an inside view of his military training, flight experience, and commitment to safety throughout decades in the cockpit. Through key moments and memories, Sullenberger reveals the mix of preparation, skill, and decision-making required in aviation. He recounts his time as a fighter pilot, crash investigator, and airline captain while explaining the technical and human factors that shape a pilot's work. The book examines a critical event in Sullenberger's career - the emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009. The account focuses on the sequence of events, the crew's actions, and the aftermath of this unprecedented situation. At its core, this memoir explores themes of responsibility, dedication to craft, and the relationship between preparation and performance under pressure. The narrative reinforces how seemingly small choices and habits can have profound implications when facing life-altering moments.

Readers describe the book as straightforward and humble, appreciating Sullenberger's focus on preparation, responsibility, and life-long dedication to aviation safety rather than just the Hudson River landing. Liked: - Detailed explanations of airline safety procedures and pilot training - Personal stories about his childhood and military service - Clear writing style without technical jargon - Focus on teamwork and crediting others Disliked: - Repetitive at times - Some wanted more details about the actual Hudson landing - A few readers found early chapters about his youth less engaging - Several noted the co-writer's voice sometimes overshadows Sullenberger's Ratings: Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,200+ reviews) Goodreads: 3.9/5 (4,800+ ratings) "More about character than heroics," wrote one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader noted: "Expected a dramatic retelling of Flight 1549, got a thoughtful memoir about preparation and professionalism instead."

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🛩️ While the "Miracle on the Hudson" made him famous, Sullenberger logged more than 20,000 flight hours during his career and served for 30 years as a safety expert and accident investigator. ✈️ The book reveals that in the critical 208 seconds between bird strike and landing on the Hudson, Sullenberger's crew made over 30 crucial decisions that helped save all 155 passengers. 👨‍✈️ Before becoming a commercial pilot, Sullenberger was a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy with a Bachelor's degree in psychology—a background that proved valuable in crisis management. 📚 The memoir was co-written with Jeffrey Zaslow, who also co-authored "The Last Lecture" with Randy Pausch. Sadly, Zaslow passed away in a car accident in 2012. 🎬 The book was adapted into the 2016 film "Sully," directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks as Sullenberger. The real Sullenberger served as a consultant during filming to ensure accuracy.