This was a fascinating and fast read -- a memoir not just about that fateful day on the Hudson River but of a pilot's life growing up, learning how to be a pilot in various capacities, small plane, fighter pilot, commercial jets. Got the sense from the beginning that he knew exactly what he wanted to do and had both the tenacity and skills to be able to reach his goals. The memoir also explains the methods of both the science and art of flying an aircraft. He also describes learning from the sometimes tragic experiences of previous pilots and how they handled emergency and crash landings sometimes with tragic results. Along the way, he shares stories of growing up in Texas, first learning to fly with a crop-duster former WWII flight instructor, going to the Air Force Academy, his different training and experiences as a fighter pilot and the transition to commercial pilot, how he met his second wife and they grew their family. There are both somber notes and many lovely and humorous anecdotes too. He notes the depression of his father and also makes a point of talking about the bystander effect/Genovese effect--how sometimes you can not sit by and watch, or it's better to try to help as much as you can, despite limited circumstances, etc. This actually tied in later with his experience dealing with the emergency rescue on the Hudson in post 9/11 New York/NJ first responders, ferry captains, etc. Overall, he notes that he kept training for his job his entire life, and due to past experiences always made safety a priority, enjoying his work and sharing the credit of his increased skill set with the collaboration of his colleagues both past and president. He also notes the deregulation of the airline industry, its consolidation, and the challenge of being a commercial pilot that has to sacrifice so much time away from family. As a reader, I took note how he would explain to his wife, post how was your day: how he got a flight down in an exceptionally smooth way by both preparation and technique, both a personal and professional ongoing goal for him. That is what she meant (I think) by the comment of a pilot's pilot. Definitely would recommend reading. Sadly because of health reasons I have not been able to fly/or have attempted to fly for almost twenty (20) years, but as a kid and in my 20's flew a good number of flights, and I always took care say thank you and wished the pilots/flight crew a good day/night when exiting the plane. Then again, I live across from a runway so I've seen/heard a lot of close calls, etc.

Registered in error/prev. reg. my bad/putting on permanent shelf

Releasing 6/1/18 Community Bookshelf One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 (McCormack Building) Cafeteria/lower level.