Pilot Sully Sullenberger: Superman and everyman

[mach92flyr]

If being a lifelong professional who'd found his passion at a young age and who's worked hard in obtaining his education, serving his country, raising a family, honoring his duties, supporting his union, and maintaining his insistence in humility, fairness, integrity; if this to you does not sound like a hero, we may only assume you're talking about a sandwich.

1549 didn't make Sully a hero, Sully'd already been one to a lot of people for a long time. The River landing just put the spotlight on one true hero that had happened to pull off a pretty amazing thing: this was bright spot for a lot of people, especially at a time with two stagnating wars, the economy in freefall and a one of the most ideologically-charged changing of power in D.C. days away.

After the fact, Sully remains so prominent because he's refused to compromise his principles in the face of fame and adoration and now uses his time and renown to help others and live up to his responsibilities. He's not preachy, he's pragmatic, sincere, successful and remindful of the professionalism and contributions of the whole crew.

Nihilistic and aloof as I may sometimes be, I have no problems saying that Sully is a true American Hero.

🙄

Edit: I'd buy it.

There is a definte difference of opinion among pilots about Chesley due to a certain appearence which occurred a few months ago west of Charlotte.

 

[hp_fa]

There is a definte difference of opinion among pilots about Chesley due to a certain appearence which occurred a few months ago west of Charlotte.

120 miles north of the Mexican border?

 

[ChockJockey]

There is a definte difference of opinion among pilots about Chesley due to a certain appearence which occurred a few months ago west of Charlotte.

I'd submit it's more to my point that he went to bat for his colleagues because of his loyalty and dedication to them; that he happens to be on the other side of that line drawn in the sand isn't a detriment to his character, in my opinion.

So all else I'd put above is secondary to his input and opinion on the maelstrom that is The Long-Since-Ridiculous Collective Tantrum?

"Forget saving lives, he's a SCAAAAB!"

Oh I swear, you kids and your stickers.

 

[PHL]

I agree with the above post, but I would like to see the rest of the crew get more credit.

I think we can blame the media for that. Is it not true that after the accident when all the news outlets wanted a piece of him, he insisted that they interview and feature the whole crew? He's always been very adamant that the entire incident had a successful outcome because of the whole crew and not just one man.

 

[Dont call me Shirley]

Anyone catch Sully on Jon Stewart?
If you missed it:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/...ey-sullenberger

 

[BajaBabe]

So all of you buy the book I am voted off the island.I praise Sully he did all the right things.

 

[ClueByFour]

"What's integrity, daddy" is right up there with "Let my daddy vote."

It speaks volumes.

He is a fantastic technical operator. Beyond that, deeds speak much louder than words.

 

[ChockJockey]

He is a fantastic technical operator. Beyond that, deeds speak much louder than words.

I chortle; and I do think it's unfortunate he had to get himself muddy with this silly dispute business. Still, I cannot fault a person for acting in his or her own best interest, even more so when he speaks for the benefit of an apparent majority. I can respect a person that assigns actions to his opinions, even if those opinions I don't happen to agree with.

Had I been embroiled for years now in the be-all end-all that is the Epic Pilot Saga maybe I too would consider a person's opinions and input on this historically grave matter to be indicative of his integrity and quality as a man. I agree that life-long work and achievement should be only given the slimmest weight in regards to a man's chosen side in the nigh-apocalyptic clash that is the US Airways pilot labor dispute. I mean it's nice he (and Jeff) are trying to use the attention they receive to do good, i.e., charities, safety awareness, etc. but it's really unfortunate that he's on the wrong side of The Ultimate Battle Between Good and Evil.

As an aside, anyone remember this episode of Star Trek? It's a good one. Full of valuable life lessons, that Star Trek is.