Hero pilot 'Sully' Sullenberger diagnosed with Alzheimer's

Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot celebrated for his 2009 "Miracle on the Hudson" landing, has revealed his diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease. The 75-year-old former US Airways captain shared the news on his personal website, describing the illness as being in its early stages.

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at the moment, this means that a name may not come to me easily, I forget a story I have recently told, or I don't sleep as well, but I am at the beginning of this journey.

Sullenberger explained that while he sometimes struggles to recall names or repeat recent stories, and experiences disrupted sleep, these are early symptoms of his journey with Alzheimer's. He emphasized the importance of speaking openly about the disease, drawing strength from his past experiences.

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the answer is to talk openly

Recalling the 2009 US Airways Flight 1549 incident, where all 155 people aboard survived after the plane lost power due to a bird strike and landed on the Hudson River, Sullenberger noted that "courage can be contagious." He believes that same courage is now needed to confront his illness.

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When I was asked about the successful outcome of Flight 1549, I said that ‘courage can be contagious’ and that day it helped everyone to unite to disembark the plane safely.

"I am now part of a larger community with many of you, and we will be brave together," Sullenberger stated, aiming to foster a sense of shared resilience. His public stance aims to encourage others facing similar diagnoses and to promote open discussion about neurodegenerative diseases. His 2010 retirement from a 40-year flying career, which included service in the U.S. Air Force, marked the beginning of his advocacy for aviation safety. The dramatic landing was later depicted in the 2016 film "Sully," starring Tom Hanks.

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Now we need that courage to fight this disease. I am now part of a larger community with many of you, and we will be brave together.