Highest Duty

My Search for What Really Mattered

By: Chesley B. Sullenberger, Jeffrey Zaslow

Narrated by: Michael McConnohie, Chesley B. Sullenberger

Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

In this inspirational autobiography, Captain "Sully" Sullenberger, the airline pilot whose emergency landing on the Hudson River earned the world's admiration, tells his life story and talks about the essential qualities that he believes have been so vital to his success.

In January 2009 the world witnessed one of the most remarkable emergency landings in history when Captain Sullenberger brought a crippled US Airways flight onto the Hudson River, saving the lives of all of the passengers and crew aboard. The successful outcome was the result of effective teamwork, Sully's dedication to airline safety, his belief that a pilot's judgment must go hand-in-hand with - and can never be replaced by - technology, and 40 years of careful practice and training.

From his earliest memories of learning to fly as a teenager in a crop duster's single-engine plane in the skies above rural Texas to his years in the United States Air Force at the controls of a powerful F-4 Phantom, Sully describes the experiences that have helped make him a better leader, particularly the importance of taking responsibility for everyone in his care. And he talks about what he believes is at the heart of America's "can do" spirit: the very human drive to prepare for the unexpected and to meet it with optimism and courage.

His wife, Lorrie, has been a pillar of support through all the highs and lows that life has offered, from the challenges of commercial flying to the birth of their two daughters, from financial struggles to the event of January 15, 2009. Though the world may remember Sully as the hero of Flight 1549, the legacy he desires even more is that of a loving husband and father.

Highest Duty is the intimate story of a man who has grown up to embrace what we think of as quintessential American values: leadership, responsibility, commitment to hard work, and service to others. And it is a narrative that reminds us that cultivating seemingly ordinary virtues can prepare us to....

Please note: This title has also been released as Sully: My Search for What Really Matters.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2009 Chesley Sullenberger III (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Not a Hero - Courage by Circumstance and Training

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Great story. Well narrated. Terrific ending. This book exemplifies that dedication and training pay off - "Chance favors the prepared mind"

What did you like best about this story?

It's the back story of an event most Americans are aware of. It is the reflections of a man that had heroism thrust upon him and how he got there. Ditching in the Hudson is small part of the bigger picture.

What does Michael McConnohie and Chesley B. Sullenberger bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Michael is an excellent narrator. To hear the prologue from Sully demonstrates what an extraordinarily, ordinary man he is.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Overall the story is told with sincerity and modesty.

Any additional comments?

Put it on your reading list, even if you think you know the story.

One of the best books I have listened to

I loved every minute of this book…. Captain Sullenberger has a lot teach this generation about being a genuine human being as a husband, father, and an employee. In my book not a hero but a wonderful person on all counts. The story of his life and love of flying and life if such a breath of fresh air…. Thank you for sharing

Best audiobook ever!

I knew this book would be a good listen. So captivating and so well written. And very interesting down to the last detail. It’s amazing how many things had to happen in a very very short amount of time to achieve an such an outcome!

Not many real Americans left...

Incredible story, that his entire life was the perfect preparation for one moment when he was exactly where he was needed.

I hope I can do half so well if my moment comes.

Now I can see the movie!

Not what I expected.

I was hoping to get more details from the timeframe depicted in the movie. Sully is a great pilot - one who was well trained to respond as he did. I guess the thing that messed with me the most is that he was quite proud to tell us about his extensive readings about flight accidents and his involvement with Crew Resource Management (CRM). Yet, in crisis he did not ask his Co-pilot if he had any ideas until just before they hit the water. That wasn’t such a good example of CRM. I was disappointed, but I do know a little more about Sully as a person.

Wow

First audio book and what a great experience! loved it. What an amazing book! S

touched and impressed me

An inspiring book. it touched and impressed me. an amazing story told first handedly by the pilot of the Hudson river miracle pilot.

Integrity carries the day

The performance was alright; the narrator did a fine job, but I wished Sully had read the whole thing..

The story was solid.

I thought the message was the best part; we must at all times try to perform with integrity, so that even on our worst day we stand a chance of coming out with hardly a scratch.

Thank you Capt. Sullenberger, from a once and future pilot.

Insightful

Narrator was fine, but also wish Sully narrated the whole book. Appreciated his honesty about how USAirways corp cost cutting hurt their workers and passengers. There’s an interesting story for a investigative journalist.

Riveting story full of valuable life lessons

Polished narration of a story that still inspires each of us to be all that we can be. The lessons are about setting priorities, being an expert at your craft, and reflecting upon a life well lived. Children and teenagers can learn from this true story as well as adults.