Miracle on the Hudson Pilot Speaks Out on Heroism

The events of January 15, 2009 changed the life of Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger forever.

When the US Airways pilot successfully landed a plane full of 155 passengers on the Hudson River after birds crippled the engine, people were quick to use words such as "miracle" and "hero."

But Sully insists that his actions on that fateful day were guided by a lifetime of experiences, rather than a moment of heroism.

In his new book, Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters, he reveals how a news story about a woman who was stabbed to death while her neighbors did nothing made a big impression when he was young. Sully promised himself he would always act to help others.

He also describes how his father's suicide in 1995 caused him to reflect on the fragility of life and made him more determined to protect people's lives.

Although Sully doesn't consider himself a hero, he understands why the public might look to inspirational stories such as the plane landing to find faith and hope.

"Something about this event was life-affirming. It reminded people of the potential for good that exists in all of us," he told USA Today.

Sully added that he hopes people who read this book will see that ordinary people can perform extraordinary acts.