Highest Duty (2009)
My Search for What Really Matters, by Chesley Sullenberger with Jeffrey Zaslow.
Reviewed by Charles R. Thomas, United Airlines Captain (ret.)
Note: Captain Charles “Chuck” Thomas is a 10 year veteran of the Prince George’s
County (Maryland) Fire Department. He retired as an A320 Air Bus Captain in 2023 with
45 years flying experience, having logged 22,000 total flying hours in various aircraft.
Highest Duty reviews the life and experiences of Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger
from his teenage years, through military flying and airline career, to safely landing USAir
Flight 1549 in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009. The emergency landing,
following failure of both engines due to bird strikes, has been referred to as the “Miracle
on the Hudson”. All 155 people on board survived.
This book is an interesting exploration into developing professionalism and leadership
skills as a lifelong journey, as opposed to just completing specific classes, or reading a
particular leadership publication. Sullenberger recognizes that many life experiences
were crucial in his development. As such, this book does not just focus on the Flight
1549 event but rather highlights many of the experiences and influences throughout his
life that prepared him to be successful when faced with the ultimate test of skill and
leadership. Interestingly, at various points, Highest Duty deviates into subjects such as
the life of an airline pilot, family dynamics, and planning for life after his flying career.
While not directly related to developing leadership skills, this helps the reader
understand and relate to Sullenberger. He is a regular, everyday guy, with typical
problems, but also someone who prepared himself through constant study, attention to
detail, and pursuit of the tenants of professionalism in his chosen field, in this case,
aviation.
Sullenberger explains how an airline captain, as the pilot-in-command and leader of the
crew, which includes other pilot(s) and the flight attendants, sets the tone for the
operation and influences many aspects of a typical flight. The image and confidence
you project as someone who is well-prepared, the things you say, and your actions to
guide and mentor others, are important traits he sought to develop and refine during his
career.
Throughout the book, Sullenberger refers to various aviation incidents that captured his
attention and influenced his own preparation. The lessons learned from tragedies and
the experiences of others were exceptionally valuable as he examined each incident,
how they were handled, and what decisions he might have made to resolve the
situation. He emphasizes that true leaders never stop seeking knowledge, to include
learning from others, even if they are from a different background or perhaps younger
than yourself. This book will encourage the reader to reflect upon their own journey and
perhaps consider different ways to challenge themselves to develop true
professionalism.
YLD Key Leadership Takeaway: Professionalism and leadership require a commitment
to constantly evaluate your own development in terms of personal experiences,
technical competence, and respectfully interacting with people you meet and those you
manage, command, or are responsible for.
ISBN: 9780061924682