Sully Sullenberger's Biggest Fear Amid Alzheimer's Battle: 'My Last Flight'

Hero pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger revealed Wednesday that his greatest fear in his battle with Alzheimer's disease is that the illness will signify his "last flight." Sullenberger, 75, who safely landed a US Airways jet in New York's Hudson River in 2009, saving all 155 people on board, shared his perspective on the diagnosis he revealed in July after experiencing initial feelings of "shock" and "anger."

"I’ve done harder things than this before," Sullenberger told ABC News. When asked about his biggest fear, he stated, "That this is my last flight." He added, "But if this has to be my last flight, I’m going to go out using a full afterburner."

Sullenberger described the symptoms of the progressive brain disease as having crept up on him slowly. He noted that one of the first signs was difficulty remembering names, even of people he knew well, which remains an ongoing issue. He also mentioned forgetting things he normally wouldn't and repeating himself without realizing it, necessitating daily use of his calendar to keep track of events.

He strongly urged others to seek testing if they notice even minor symptoms. "An early diagnosis is so critically important. If you have doubts, get tested, because the sooner you act, the more options there are, the better the outcome is likely to be," he advised.

While acknowledging the initial shock and anger, Sullenberger finds comfort in knowing he and his wife, Lorrie, are not alone in their experience. "We’re part of this community who are trying to make the best of a bad situation," he said.

Although he is receiving monthly infusion treatments that can temporarily alleviate symptoms, Sullenberger recognizes that the disease's progression is inevitable. He expressed concern about becoming a burden to his wife, who will be his primary caregiver as they navigate the future together.

Lorrie Sullenberger stated her approach is to take things "one day at a time," acknowledging the uncertainty of what lies ahead. The couple's experience highlights the challenges and emotional toll of Alzheimer's disease, even for those who have faced extraordinary circumstances.