Chesley Sullenberger Net Worth 2024, Bio, Age, Height, Wiki

Chesley Sullenberger is a known American captain of US Airways airline who became a heroe after landing his airplane with 155 passengers into the Hudson River in New York’s Manhattan. All the passengers survived the crash.

Early years

He was born as Chesley Burnett Sullenberger III. On January 23, 1951 in Denison in Texas, United States. His family originated from Switzerland and Germany and they immigrated to the states after the World War II. He has only one sibling, a sister called Mary.

There is an interesting fact that he grew up in his hometown Denison living in the street named after the family of his mother.

He always liked railways and aircrafts so he frequently built model planes and locomotives duringhis early childhood. Since there was an AirForce base very close to their home, he concentrated his interest only on planes.

He was extra good in school, always had great grades and exemplary behaviour.  The teachers noticed that he wasn’t average and that he concluded for better than other pupils.

He was only 12 when he joined Mensa International, the biggest high IQ society in the World.

After he enrolled high school he showed some other great talents: he was a flutist, the president of Latin Club and top-graded Math student.

He was also religious and a member of the Methodist Church. He graduated in 1969 as an honor student.

He learned how to fly an aeroplane when he was 16, in a private school of flying. This was the experience which brought him nearer to the decision to become a pilot.

He enrolled the US Air Force Academy and gained the Bachelor of Science title there. Chelsey also had a degree in Industrial Psychology and in Public Administration. He gained them from Purdue University and the University of Northern Colorado.

In 1969 he was invited to join the US Air Force Academy for a glider program and over year later he was already an instructor.

In 1973, he graduated from it and received award: „Outstanding Cadet in Airmanship“. They have sent him Purdue University because they wanted him to finish it before entering UPT. This is shorten for Undergraduate Pilot Training.

Career development

He was transferred to Columbus AFB (Air Force Base) and in 1975 he has earned his wings becoming an USAF Pilot. He was soon sent to United Kingdom where he flew¸a known Phantom II F-4D.

After this position, he was relocated to Nevada, where he again flew the same F-4D plane.

He eraned a high rank of captain during this period and was named a Commander in training exercises called „Exercise Red Flag“.

He also became one of the investigators in the board which studied and investigated airplane accidents.

In 1980 he joined US Airways flight crew as a new pilot.

In 2007 he formed a task group which would research and provide security strategies to upgrade safety and performance. He became an CEO of „Safety Reliability Methods“. He conducted numerous investigation and served as an instructor.

His biggest role and interest was the investigation major accidents, especially the ones that can help them improve their flying tactics and procedures in hundreds airlines.

He was also very respective of his crew and all the people connected to this job. He was a charman of Union Air Line Pilot Association.

He often worked as a speaker on Safety Panels connected to airplanes.

In 2009, he was taking off his Airbus A320 from the LaGuardia Airport but the plan struck birds and lost both of their engines.

He suceeded in leading the plane into the Hudson River. He was praised for his calm handling during this accident, where he saved lives of 155 passengers in the accident. Later he suffered PTSP, which manifested in loss of sleep.

He was invited both by George W. Bush and President Barack Obama to join their special events. This time Barack Obama showed his gratitude by inviting him to Presidential Inaguration.

He and his crew gained „Masters Medals“ by Air Pilots and Navigators Guild. He received „Key to the Town“ in Danville.

He also received „Medal of Valor“, the most prominent district award which is not given easily.

In 2009 he gained „Founder’s Medal“ by The Air League (the leading aviation organization in the UK).

Personal life

His Facebook site has over 0,5 million followers. NY major Bloomberg gave him the „Key of the City“.

He marked his 40th anniversery of Graduation in his hometown, in Denison High School.

He appeared in „The Daily Show“ where he mentioned that his sallary „was shorten by 40%“.

He retired in 2010 and after that he flew only for his own pleasure and for parades and events.

He wrote his memoir „Highest Duty: My Search for What Really members“ in 2009.

His 2nd book was published in 2012, titled „Making a Difference: Stories of Vision and Courage from America’s Leaders“.

In 2011, he was hired by CBS News as his safety expert.

He married Lorraine Sullenberger and they adopted two children after their fight with infertility.

They have lost the chance to be parents so they adopted Kate and Kelly.

In 1995, his father comitted suicide after years of struggling with depression. That triggered him to become an activist in National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

He declined an offer to run for a congressman in 2010 elections.

„College and Electric Youth“ played a song „A Real Hero“ about him in 2010.

Quick summary

Full name: Chesley Burnett Sullenberger III. Date of birth:  January 23, 1951

Birthplace:  Denison in Texas, United States.

Age: 67

Profession: pilot, heroe

Height: 1,83 m

Weight: NA

Net Worth: $1,6 million

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