Chesley Burnett Sullenberger was born Jan. 23, 1951, in Dennison, Texas, to a dentist father and a schoolteacher mother. An exceptional student with a brilliant mind, he joined Mensa at the age of 12.

After graduating from high school, he entered the U.S. Air Force Academy. Already a competent pilot, he was selected to be a flight instructor by the end of his first year. After a career in the Air Force, he became a commercial pilot for U.S. Airways and its predecessors. Logging more than 20,000 hours flying time, his proven competence yielded a high level of confidence in himself, and a confidence in him by those who flew in his flight crews.

All went reasonably well until Jan. 15, 2009. In command of an Airbus A320 leaving New York’s La Guardia for Charlotte, North Carolina, Flight 1549 hit a flock of birds shortly after takeoff. With the jet losing power in both engines, it quickly became apparent that a return to La Guardia or a diverted landing to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey was not feasible. Informing the passenger to brace for landing, Capt. Sully flew the Airbus to a water landing in the Hudson River. All passengers and crew survived.

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