Hero USAirways pilot gets big book deal
You knew a big book deal was coming to Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot who landed a troubled USAirways jet in the Hudson River, without any deaths. Sure enough, a HarperCollins imprint has signed him for more than $3 million. But the deal has a twist, notes Sara Nelson in TheDailyBeast. It's for two books: a memoir and a book of inspirational poetry. Nelson, recently ousted as editor of Publishers Weekly, says Sullenberger deserves a big payday, but sees the unusual deal as the latest sign that the publishing world has gone crazy.
She asks: "And speaking of Stephenie Meyer, how long before she pulls a page out of Sully’s book and signs a multimillion-dollar deal for page-a-day advice haiku for vampires and the teen undead who love them?"
While she always preferred The Hardy Boys to Nancy Drew, 
Comments
Mr. Sullenberger could sure use the money. Like many hard-working commercial pilots in the U.S., over the years his salary has been deeply slashed and he has even lost his pension. He has been using his newfound fame to raise awareness of the economic plight of commercial pilots -- and the risks that we all face from losing good pilots to poor pay and no job security.
I wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Sullenberger uses some of the money from his book contract to establish a foundation to advocate for better pilot pay and retention. We would all benefit.
Posted by: Paul Lagasse | March 13, 2009 9:42 AM
Sully Sullenberger was merely doing his job the way you, I, or anyone would if they were truly dedicated to their their craft, trade or occupation. He did not want to die anymore than anyone else on that plane - he wanted to see his family again.
Supply and demand is the reason commercial pilots pay has fallen. It, like many other "select" occupations have had to face the reality of a competitive market place. This is really better for all of us in the long run.
I doubt that this individual, who lives in a dull, affluent, dumbed down,
suburb of San Francisco has a compelling story to tell.
Posted by: Bill Martin / Berkeley | March 21, 2009 10:30 AM
I truly believe that "Sully" should be paid more than a uneducated landscaper or $20 per hour laborer... Pilots make millions for the CEO and member of the BOD's.. Don't you think that the guy entrusted with your life say on a NY to NC flight.Pilot pay $125 per hour and flt fime is 1.5 hours so the pilot gets less than $200 to fly you and your family from NY to NC or FLA..is that overpaid???? Heaven help us if you think it is...
Posted by: Mark Y | April 8, 2009 2:36 PM