Sully audiobook cover - My Search for What Really Matters

Sully

My Search for What Really Matters

Chesley B. Sullenberger III & Jeffrey Zaslow

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Sully
Early Life & Values+
Military Training+
Civilian Career+
Flight 1549 Crisis+
The Hudson Landing+
Core Philosophy+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 6
What childhood experience heavily influenced Sullenberger's goal-oriented mindset and appreciation for measurable outcomes?
  • A. Winning regional aviation competitions and earning flight badges
  • B. Seeing the tangible progress of half-mowed lawns and helping his father with roofing
  • C. Receiving extensive praise and awards from his eighth-grade teachers
  • D. Managing his family's finances during difficult economic times
Question 2 of 6
According to Sullenberger, what was the underlying purpose of the intense hazing and rigorous training at the Air Force Academy?
  • A. To weed out cadets who lacked previous civilian aviation experience
  • B. To prepare cadets for the physical demands of high-altitude jet flight
  • C. To internalize core values like 'service before self' and foster strict accountability
  • D. To teach cadets how to navigate the complex political landscape of the military
Question 3 of 6
How did Sullenberger's experience flying gliders at the Air Force Academy influence his understanding of aviation?
  • A. It taught him how to leverage the natural environment, like thermal lifts, to stay airborne.
  • B. It helped him master the complex instrument panels later required for commercial airliners.
  • C. It showed him the critical importance of engine maintenance and pre-flight checklists.
  • D. It prepared him for the administrative duties required of senior Air Force officers.
Question 4 of 6
Why did Sullenberger decide to leave the military and transition to a career as a commercial pilot?
  • A. He was offered a highly lucrative signing bonus by Pacific Southwest Airlines.
  • B. He wanted to avoid the administrative, non-flying roles required to rise in military ranks.
  • C. He lost his military flight status after an air-to-air combat training accident.
  • D. He preferred the rapid, merit-based promotion system of the commercial airline industry.
Question 5 of 6
During the emergency on Flight 1549, Sullenberger relied on a principle called 'goal sacrificing.' How did this principle apply to his decision-making?
  • A. He sacrificed the safety of the flight crew to prioritize the safety of the passengers.
  • B. He chose to abandon the $60 million aircraft in the water to prioritize saving human lives.
  • C. He ignored standard Air Traffic Control communication protocols to focus entirely on flying.
  • D. He decided to bypass the closest airport to attempt a riskier, but more familiar, landing in the river.
Question 6 of 6
Without engine thrust during the descent over the Hudson River, what was Sullenberger's primary method for maintaining the appropriate glide speed?
  • A. Deploying the emergency parachutes to create necessary drag
  • B. Restarting the auxiliary power unit to regain partial engine thrust
  • C. Optimizing the pitch, or the angle at which the plane was tilted
  • D. Jettisoning aviation fuel to significantly lighten the aircraft's weight

Sully — Full Chapter Overview

Sully Summary & Overview

Sully (2009) chronicles the remarkable life journey of the pilot who landed US Airways Flight 1549 on New York's Hudson River, ensuring the safety of all on board. The memoir sheds light on his unwavering dedication, the significance of readiness, and the profound lessons from his military and aviation careers. Through his experiences, the book emphasizes the enduring values that can guide individuals through times of adversity and uncertainty.

Who Should Listen to Sully?

  • Fans of aviation and heroic true stories
  • Autobiography enthusiasts
  • Readers seeking inspiration in challenging times

About the Author: Chesley B. Sullenberger III & Jeffrey Zaslow

Chesley B. Sullenberger III is an airline pilot and safety expert, with notable roles as an instructor and an ALPA safety chairman and accident investigator. Recognized as the Outstanding Cadet in Airmanship during his time at the US Air Force Academy, he further augmented his credentials with two master's degrees.

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