April 7, 2010

Highest Duty

America knows him as the pilot who made the remarkable emergency landing on the Hudson River in January, 2009. Capt. Sullenburger describes himself more simply as a pilot who believes that personal judgment must be used along with technology. He is a man who has trained, practiced, and worked hard for over 40 years, as a pilot, a husband, and a father. He describes learning to fly and his experiences in the Air Force, highlighting experiences that he believes have made him a better leader. What stands out about this man, however, are his values. He believes in taking responsibility for everyone in his care--a belief that certainly was put into action during his Hudson River landing. He also talks about his belief in the American "can do" spirit, which drives people to prepare for the unexpected and to meet those challenges with optimism and courage. This is the intimate life story of a man with traditional American values--hard work, responsibility, service to others--and a tale in how cultivating these seemingly ordinary traits can prepare someone to perform extraordinary acts.

This book can be found in HECSA Library:

Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters
Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger with Jeffrey Zaslow
TL 540 .S45 A3 2009