Sully: My Search For What Really Matters

Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger recounts his life story and career in aviation, from his early days as a military pilot to his time as a commercial airline captain. The narrative centers around the events of January 15, 2009, when he executed an emergency water landing of US Airways Flight 1549 in New York's Hudson River. The book tracks Sullenberger's development as a pilot through decades of training, experience, and dedication to aviation safety. Through his personal story, readers gain insight into the culture of commercial aviation, pilot training protocols, and the complex decision-making processes required in emergency situations. The memoir examines the intersection of preparation and instinct, demonstrating how a lifetime of experience culminates in moments of crisis. Beyond the technical aspects of aviation, the book explores themes of duty, professional excellence, and the weight of responsibility that comes with safeguarding human lives.

Readers describe the book as a thoughtful memoir that goes beyond just recounting the Hudson River landing. Many note that Sullenberger's detailed accounts of his aviation background and life experiences help explain the skills and decision-making that proved critical during the emergency. Liked: - Clear technical explanations without overwhelming jargon - Focus on preparation, responsibility, and professionalism - Insights into commercial aviation safety culture - Strong emphasis on family values and personal integrity Disliked: - Some found early chapters about childhood slow-paced - Several readers wanted more details about the actual flight - A few noted repetitive passages about aviation training Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (15,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,200+ ratings) "Shows how a lifetime of small decisions and habits lead to success in crisis moments," wrote one Amazon reviewer. Multiple readers appreciated that Sullenberger shares credit with his crew rather than claiming sole credit for the landing.

Highest Duty by Chesley Sullenberger. This memoir delves deeper into Sullenberger's life experiences, military service, and the principles that guided his decision-making during the Hudson River landing.

Flight 232 by Laurence Gonzales. The account follows Captain Al Haynes and his crew as they managed a catastrophic engine failure and crash-landing of United Airlines Flight 232 in 1989.

Cockpit Confidential by Patrick Smith. A commercial airline pilot shares insights into aviation operations, safety protocols, and real-world emergency scenarios from decades of flight experience.

Fate Is the Hunter by Ernest Kellogg Gann. This pilot's memoir chronicles numerous close calls and aviation incidents during the early days of commercial flight in the 1930s and 1940s.

35 Miles From Shore by Emilio Corsetti III. The book recounts the 1970 ditching of ALM Flight 980 in the Caribbean Sea and the subsequent rescue operation that followed.

🛩️ Chesley Sullenberger wasn't the only pilot with "hero" status in his family – his uncle was a B-17 pilot during WWII who survived being shot down over occupied France and evaded capture with help from the French Resistance. ✈️ Before writing this memoir, Sullenberger had already authored guidelines and research papers on airline safety that were required reading at many airlines' training programs. 💫 The book reveals that in the moments after the water landing, Sullenberger walked the sinking plane's aisle twice to ensure no passengers remained behind, despite rising water and freezing temperatures. 📚 Co-author Jeffrey Zaslow also wrote "The Girls from Ames" and co-authored "The Last Lecture" with Randy Pausch. Tragically, Zaslow died in a car accident in 2012 at age 53. 🦅 During the famous Hudson River landing, Sullenberger used his experience as a glider pilot – a skill he learned during his Air Force Academy days – to help him calculate the perfect descent angle without engine power.