Sully

From Hudson to Hero, One Helluva Ride

"Flight 1549 wasn't just a five-minute journey. My entire life led me safely to that river."

After announcing, "This is your captain speaking," on the first leg of the "reunion" flight that marked his return to the air, Chesley Sullenberger quickly realized he now needs to wait a few seconds before continuing so everyone in the cabin can stop cheering and hear the rest of what he has to say.

But if passengers miss his words, they can catch up with his book, Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters. The book goes beyond the Hudson landing to share a life that reflects the turmoil of America and its airlines in the early 21st century.

Audio: NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday, Host: Scott Simon.

Read an excerpt at NPR.