Hero pilot auctions off hat to benefit Oakland schools

Airline pilot Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger auctioned off one of his pilot’s caps for the benefit of three Northern California schools.

Hailed as a hero for safely landing a passenger plane in New York’s Hudson River after geese were sucked into the engines in January, Sullenberger also has a gift for giving. He put up one of his pilot’s caps -- not the one we was wearing on the day of the crash landing -- for auction, and will donate a portion of the proceeds to Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, California. The remaining portion will be given to Futures Elementary School and Community United Elementary School, both in Oakland, California, where his two daughters are in attendance. The hat, bid out on e-Bay, drew 68 bids and was sold for $5,800. In addition to the hat, the buyer will receive a thank you note from Sullenberger and his wife, Lorrie.