In 2009, Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger won the hearts of people across US after successfully performing the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ and saved the lives of 155 people. Now, the pilot has disclosed a shocking Alzheimer’s diagnosis with a hope of raising more awareness about the condition.
Who is Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger?
Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger is an American retired pilot. In 2009, he heroically landed the US Airways Flight 1549 in Hudson river after double engine failure. Before that, he served as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force (USAF), flying F-4 Phantom II jets.
Sully was famous for his ‘photographic memory’. under President Joe Biden, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) from 2022 to 2023.
Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger: Net Worth
Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million. Most of that can be attributed to his bestselling memoir “Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters and Making a Difference: Stories of Vision and Courage from America’s Leaders” and his salary that he earned during the brief tenure of U.S. Ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
How Old is Sully” Sullenberger
Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger was born on January 23, 1951. He is currently 75 years old.
Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger: Wife
Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger is married to fitness instructor Lorraine ‘Lorrie’ Henry. The couple got married in 1989. Before Lorrie, ‘Sully’ was part of a ‘short, childless marriage’, which is mentioned in his memoir.
Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger: Son
Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger does not have a son. He and his wife, Lorraine ‘Lorrie’ Henry share two adopted daughters: Kate and Kelly.
Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger: Military Career
During his time in the United States Air Force (USAF), Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger enjoyed a decorated career. He earned the ‘Top Flyer’ rank in his graduating class of 1973 from the US Air Force Academy.
From 1973 to 1980, he served as a fighter pilot and rose to the rank of Captain. As a fighter pilot, he gained experience flying in Europe, the Pacific and at Nellis Air Force base. Some of his leadership roles in the military include a flight leader and a training officer.
Why did Sully Lose his Pension
After the September 11 attacks, the travel sector in US slipped and the US airways had to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy twice (initially in 2002 and later in 2004).
In a desperate move, the airline legally terminated its pension plan for pilots and then, federal agency Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). The PGBC later provided Sully with a pension that got reduced due to federal caps.
Sully” Sullenberger Plane Crash
On January 15, 2009, an Airbus A320 collided with a flock of Canadian geese, completely knocking out both jet engines at just 3,000 feet, shortly after flying from NYC’s LaGuardia airport. Then Sully successfully executed an emergency water landing on New York City’s freezing Hudson River and saved the lives of all 155 people on board.
Sully” Sullenberger Movie
A biopic by director Clint Eastwood was made on , Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger’s life and starred Tom Hanks. The film was an adaptation of his memoir and did well with both critics and audiences.
