Chesley Sullenberger, the pilot of the U.S. Airways flight that landed in the Hudson River this week, is certainly gaining a lot of press. As yet “Unqualified” as a true hero – perhaps we’ll at least be able to unofficially qualify him as a true leader.

My colleague, Paul Knudstrup of Midwest Consulting Group, is a business owner and a pilot. When the incident unfolded this week, some of my colleagues traded email messages and had requested Paul’s take on what happened. I thought his response was the perfect description of a dedicated leader who has learned his leadership lessons well:

You are trained in what to do, you practice it regularly, and you do what has proven to work best in similar situations. Then, you trust in whatever works for you (God, the Universe, Allah, fate, etc.) and use your skills. Most of the time it works and you survive the off-airport landing. Sometimes it is not enough and you don`t survive. If this had occurred over the ocean or mountains, the result probably would have been different.

The words that are most important to leadership are in bold. The fact of the matter is that very few leaders are naturals at it. It takes intentional practice, thoughtful action, and skill to become a leader of the caliber shown by this pilot. Chesley Sullenberger, if not a proven hero, is at least a proven leader, and for that – the passengers – and all of us – are grateful.