Hero Pilot Captain Sully Sullenberger Reveals Heartbreaking Health Diagnosis
“It is my hope that by sharing this, other families living in the shadows with this disease will feel they too can step forward.”
“Though it may impact my memory of the past, this diagnosis will not prevent me from looking forward to and appreciating our future,” he said. “I will navigate this chapter with my wonderful family by my side.”
Sullenberger began flying at a young age and earned a degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy before serving as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. After leaving the military, he joined Pacific Southwest Airlines, which later became part of US Airways. During his airline career, he accumulated more than 19,000 flight hours and became widely respected for his expertise in aviation safety and accident investigation.
Following the Hudson River landing, Sullenberger was praised around the world for his calm decision-making and professionalism. His story inspired the 2016 film Sully, directed by Clint Eastwood, with Tom Hanks portraying the veteran pilot.
After retiring from commercial aviation in 2010, Sullenberger became an author, public speaker, and advocate for aviation safety. He has testified before Congress on transportation issues and served as the U.S. ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization from 2022 to 2025.
