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He's a Good Pilot; Let's Leave It at That

Sully shouldn't be exploited to fill our need for a superhero

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 17, 2009 10:35 AM CST

(Newser) – Chesley Sullenberger's skillful landing on the Hudson has made him America's latest hero, but let's not catapult the man into celebritydom, pleads a Gawker essay. Press-ganging the pilot into endless TV appearances (or book deals, parades, whatever) smacks of exploitation and will slowly separate the man from the actual act of heroism. "The sad thing is, even if he doesn't want it, we'll likely force it on him anyway."

Some survivors are already trying to cash in, and Sullenberger is likely to be tempted by the "double-edged rewards" America lavishes on the famous. "Let's try not to overplay this too much," says the posting by Richard. "We need heroes, I know. But they don't always need us. To put such fierce, public demands on someone who's already done a good thing is selfish and predatory."

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

This undated photo, supplied by the U.S. Air Force Academy, shows cadet Chesley "Sully " Sullenberger, the US Airways pilot who safely ditched his disabled jetliner on the Hudson River Thursday. (AP Photo/USAF Academy)

Lorrie Sullenberger, wife of Chesley Sullengerger, waves outside of her Danville, Calif., home, Friday, Jan. 16, 2009, during a photo opportunity for the media. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

In this image taken from the website of Safety Reliability Methods, S Airways pilot Chesley B. Sullenberger III is shown. (AP Photo)

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Sully, the austere white-haired pilot who wrestled the whole Miracle into existence, will now be tempted by the double-edged rewards we lavish on the famous and infamous alike: the television appearances, the book deals. - Richard, posting on Gawker

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

Guest

Jan 24, 2010 7:54 PM CST

We seldom receive the opportunity to praise the actions of those who do something so astounding, so stunning, so awe inspiring through the media; sadly, this is not the stuff that media frenzies are typically made of...and than along came Sully and our hearts were lifted, our spirits brightened, and a sense of hope is restored in a very personal ways so far removed from its catalyst. -but lets not forget that he was not alone, all was in his favor including those who held their role in what will eternally be remembered as, The Miracle on the Hudson.

justme

Jan 17, 2009 5:10 AM CST

Agreed that the good training created the great outcome. That training was probably paid for with Homeland Security funds put together after 9-11. Don't want to tee anyone off by implying anything else.

PosterNutbag

Jan 17, 2009 12:57 AM CST

It wasn't just the pilot, the flight attendants and the rescue personnel on the ground all did an exemplary job based on thorough training. This is not a miracle. This is what humans can do when they are well trained and focused on doing a good job.

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He's a Good Pilot; Let's Leave It at That