Sully: My Search for What Really Matters

Fascinating life story. Obviously the account of the crash was riveting, but as a frequent flier I also loved the "behind the scenes" tid bits about the airline industry. Amazing, candid reflections about his family and himself. Truly incredible book and an easy read.

I really enjoyed this book. "Sully", of course, concerns the events of January 15, 2009 on Flight 1549, and the "miracle landing" in the Hudson River in which no lives were lost. The book provides a profile of a life-long commitment to the disciplined profession of flying, from his youthful start, learning on an Aeronca 7DC crop duster, through his military service and into his professional pilot career with U.S. Airways. Just as compelling are the insights into the history of air travel, close calls and notable events through the years, and a life-long commitment to safety. Captain Sullenberger's writing is exactly what you would expect from the world's best known pilot: laconic, thoughtful, modest, honest and direct. "Sully" is a quick read, but has enough variety of subject matter and depth to be worth your time. One of the most fascinating aspects of the book are insights into the airline industry, which has seen many changes and challenges over the past thirty years. Airline employees have had to deal with the aftermath of deregulation, pay cuts and give backs, pension degradation and a strict seniority system that prevents lateral transfers to other airlines. Sully's meditations on life (the book is subtitled "My Search for What Really Matters") also provide rich subject matter for contemplation. He says, "People who love their jobs work more diligently at them. They become more adept at the intricacies of their duties. They serve the world well." Sully is a pragmatic sort of philosopher who feels we should each do our part to contribute to the general welfare. He lives this philosophy, has demonstrated it in life-long commitment, and has indeed served our world well.

Now that I have read the book, I don't need to see the film. I had heard or read that in the film, NTSB investigators tried to criminalize the aircrew. As a former military pilot, I was spoiling for a fight until I read the book: not even close to the case. The investigation was handled appropriately and with compassion to the trauma the crew and passengers had experienced. A good read and quite disturbing to see how declassee the life of an air line pilot has become. I remember the days when Air Line Captains were worthy of impersonating, a la Frank Abignale ("Catch me if you can"). Sully did exactly what you would hope your flight crew would have done: immediately recognize the seriousness of the situation and: Aviate; Navigate; Communicate. In that order.

Weak book. Amazing events, just a bad book. To many "thank yous" and to those who helped him get to this point. Just rent the movie.

I have great admiration for Sully the man. My father was a commercial airline pilot and so I can relate to some of the book's observations. However, as a story this book is pretty much a snore fest. It's a bit preachy and written in a hallmark card style from the 50s. Which is to say the book is not very well written. Still, I have great admiration for the man.

It was a hard book to read.

This is an autobiography

Sully is my Superhero. And this world needs one

Loved this book. Saw the movie 3 times.

I bought the book to find out what happened to his father