Unlike those other fated aircraft, US Airways 1549 was down in the Hudson River. Media outlets divulging the breaking story were quick to report that it wasn’t believed to be an act of terrorism—a question haunting most minds in a post-9/11 world. In fact it was discovered that flight 1549 had hit a large flock of birds shortly after take off from New York’s LaGuardia airport and had its engines rendered useless. Captain Sully was hailed as a hero and public figure after the water ditching and successful rescue of all 155 aboard the Airbus A320.
As I’ve mentioned before, I grew up an “airline brat” and in fact US Airways is the major carrier that runs so deeply in my family’s resumes. In addition to mom and dad working for US, an uncle was also a pilot for the company until retiring near 10 years ago. So Sully’s book was naturally of particular interest to me. Consider this: the A320 that was lost on January 15, 2009 quite possibly could have transported myself or one of my family members. Being an east-coast duty aircraft, chances are my dad worked in the cargo bins of that very craft and my mom probably deplaned and boarded passengers from its cabin.
When asked for his take on the successful ditching, my uncle replied, “We all would like to think we could’ve landed one like that…” Uncle Gordon actually flew 757s and 767s—larger aircraft than the A320. He was based in Pittsburgh, where Sully also had a base. Asked if the two knew each other, he replied, “I believe we spoke on the phone once—Sully was a big union guy—but I don’t think we actually ever met.” He had worked closely with at least one member of flight 1549’s crew.
Ok, so enough about my family ties to US Airways. How was the book? At times a bit hokey, Highest Duty is the story of a man who developed a passion for flying practically out of the womb and grew to have an impressive aviation career in the U.S. Air Force and then commercially. Sully often reflects not just on his career milestones, but on his family as well, and how that has made him into the kindly picture of an Americana hero that media have portrayed him to be.
Everybody has a story, but Sully’s is definitely a captivating one, especially as he reveals the behind-the-cockpit-door details of January 15, 2009. He also talks about some of the nuances and challenges of the aviation industry today—things that hit close to home as I remember my parents and uncle addressing the very same subjects.
Sometimes I wonder why the media made Sully out to be such a hero. A good pilot is trained in emergency maneuvers, including using the water as a favorable emergency ditching place. Sully did his job, and did it well that day. But some of the nostalgia of calling him “a hero when America needed one most” struck me as just a little hokey. Sully sums it up by saying his story gave people hope at a time when the economy and nation were longing for some positive news to cling to. Yes it was a happy ending, but again, this strikes me as hokey.
Lorrie Sullenberger summed up her husband’s efforts best saying, “…he loves the art of the airplane…” That quote personified Sully’s personality, serious-minded career dedication, and ultimately his level-headed decision making capabilities. It’s a whole lot better than the “Miracle on the Hudson” nonsense our NY Governor David Patterson spewed and the media ran with.
So overall, Highest Duty makes for some intriguing reading about a fellow American who worked hard, established a successful career and family life, and ultimately became a public figure/hero through a courageous act. It’s an easy, enjoyable read that sheds light on the challenging life of those employed in the aviation industry. I would highly recommend.
The bottom photo is of an Airbus similar to the one Sully piloted. It was on the gate and was overlaid on a background of a reservoir near Charlotte, NC.
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