Who is Chesley B. Sullenberger III?

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Captain Chesley Sullenberger: A steady voice for safety and resilience

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Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger has long been a symbol of calm leadership in crisis. Best known for the Hudson River landing, he now uses his platform to speak about aviation, safety, and responsibility with the same steady authority. His posts blend personal reflections, aviation expertise, and heartfelt family moments, creating a profile that feels deeply human while remaining highly credible.

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1. Who he is

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Captain Sullenberger is a retired airline captain, safety advocate, and former U.S. Ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he spent decades flying as a commercial airline pilot before gaining global recognition for safely landing US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009. Since then, he has dedicated his career to public speaking, writing, and advocacy on aviation safety and public policy. He has authored books, spoken before Congress, and served in international diplomacy, positioning himself as both a technical authority and a respected public figure.

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2. A network of heavyweights

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Sully’s network includes government institutions like the FAA and U.S. Department of Transportation, global media outlets like CNN, and leaders including U.S. Presidents and UN representatives. His connections extend to aviation hubs such as Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the Air Force Academy, and safety organizations worldwide. This network reflects his unique position at the intersection of aviation, governance, and public discourse.

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3. Why people listen

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People listen to Sully because his communication is rooted in lived experience. He doesn’t just share aviation insights. He tells stories about leadership, family, and resilience that resonate on a personal level. His posts feel grounded and sincere, whether he’s reflecting on 9/11, honoring colleagues, or sharing moments with his grandchildren. The mix of professional authority and personal warmth makes his voice compelling and relatable.

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4. Authenticity that resonates

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Sully holds a 100/100 Authenticity Score on Favikon, with content that reflects clear originality and trustworthiness. His posts show no templated messaging, but rather authentic reflections tied to aviation history, safety advocacy, and personal life. Engagement often includes followers sharing their own aviation memories or stories, creating genuine dialogue. With very low levels of generic praise, his feed demonstrates meaningful, human-centered engagement.

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5. Numbers that back it up

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Sully has grown his following from 261K to 359K over four years, with steady and organic progression. He ranks in the Top 1% of LinkedIn creators in the U.S. and among the Top 2% in the U.S. aviation industry. His newsletter My View From The Left Seat has more than 154K subscribers, proving his influence extends beyond social posts. Engagement remains strong, with posts frequently drawing tens of thousands of likes and heartfelt comments.

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6. Collaborations that matter

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Captain Sullenberger has collaborated with aviation organizations, government institutions, and media outlets to promote safety and leadership. His partnerships include appearances on CNN, advisory work with the FAA, and speeches at global aviation conferences. He also leverages his influence in public policy by advocating for stronger safety regulations and supporting veteran and mental health initiatives.

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7. Why brands should partner with him

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Working with Sully means aligning with integrity, leadership, and global recognition. Brands in aviation, safety, education, or leadership development can benefit from his voice. Potential collaborations include:

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• Thought leadership campaigns around aviation safety and resilience

• Speaking engagements at conferences, corporate events, and leadership summits

• Co-created content on crisis management and responsibility in high-pressure roles

• Advocacy campaigns highlighting safety, mental health, or veteran support

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8. What causes he defend

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Sully is outspoken about causes that align with his values of safety and responsibility. He advocates for gun safety, sharing his stance on protecting communities from preventable tragedies. He also champions veteran mental health, often drawing on his Air Force background to highlight the need for better support. Additionally, he supports Women in Tech and STEM, promoting inclusivity in fields that shape the future. Through personal posts and thought leadership, he consistently connects these causes back to his own story of service and responsibility.

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9. Why he's relevant in 2025

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In a world shaped by rapid technological change and heightened global risks, Sully remains a voice of steadiness. His authority in aviation continues to be sought after as the industry modernizes, while his advocacy for safety, responsibility, and mental health resonates far beyond aviation. In 2025, his perspective bridges past experience with future challenges, keeping him highly relevant in both professional and public debates.

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Conclusion: A steady hand in turbulent times

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Captain Sullenberger’s influence goes beyond aviation. He represents resilience, integrity, and the power of clear-headed leadership in moments of crisis. His content blends personal authenticity with professional expertise, reminding us that credibility is built on both knowledge and character. For brands and institutions seeking trust, his voice is one of the most reliable in 2025.

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