📖 Overview
Brian Shul is an American pilot, author, and photographer who served 20 years in the United States Air Force. He is best known for flying the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft and writing the bestselling book "Sled Driver" about his experiences piloting this legendary spy plane.
After suffering severe burns in a crash during the Vietnam War, Shul underwent multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation before returning to active duty against medical expectations. He went on to become one of the few pilots qualified to fly the SR-71, completing missions during the later years of the Cold War.
His book "Sled Driver" combines firsthand accounts of SR-71 operations with his own photography of the aircraft, offering readers rare insights into the secretive world of high-altitude reconnaissance missions. The limited-edition work has become highly sought after among aviation enthusiasts and historians.
Following his military career, Shul established a successful career as a public speaker and has published several other books including "The Speed of Life" and "Walter the Lazy Mouse." His photographs and writings about aviation continue to be featured in various publications and collections.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently praise Shul's authentic first-person accounts and photography of the SR-71 Blackbird. His personal storytelling style in "Sled Driver" resonates with both aviation experts and casual readers.
What readers liked:
- Detailed technical descriptions balanced with accessible explanations
- High-quality original photographs
- Personal anecdotes about SR-71 missions
- Recovery story from Vietnam injuries
- Humor integrated throughout serious topics
What readers disliked:
- High price point of "Sled Driver" ($400-$1000+ for used copies)
- Limited availability of physical copies
- Some readers found technical details overwhelming
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: 4.9/5 (300+ reviews)
Goodreads: 4.7/5 (500+ ratings)
Reader quote: "Shul takes you into the cockpit and shows you what it's really like to fly the world's fastest jet. His photography alone is worth the price." - Amazon reviewer
Another reader notes: "The only negative is trying to find an affordable copy. The content itself is outstanding." - Goodreads review
📚 Books by Brian Shul
Sled Driver: Flying the World's Fastest Jet
First-hand account of piloting the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft, including technical details and personal experiences.
The Untouchables Photo essay and narrative documenting the author's time as an Air Force pilot flying the SR-71 Blackbird.
Summer Thunder Personal memoir detailing the author's recovery from a severe crash in Southeast Asia and return to flying.
Sierra Starlight: The Astrophotography of Tony Rowell Collection of night sky photography featuring text and commentary by Brian Shul.
Walter Mitty: The Movie Guide Behind-the-scenes look at the making of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" film, featuring Shul's aviation photography.
SR-71: The Complete Illustrated History of the Blackbird Comprehensive history of the SR-71 aircraft program illustrated with photographs and technical details.
The Untouchables Photo essay and narrative documenting the author's time as an Air Force pilot flying the SR-71 Blackbird.
Summer Thunder Personal memoir detailing the author's recovery from a severe crash in Southeast Asia and return to flying.
Sierra Starlight: The Astrophotography of Tony Rowell Collection of night sky photography featuring text and commentary by Brian Shul.
Walter Mitty: The Movie Guide Behind-the-scenes look at the making of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" film, featuring Shul's aviation photography.
SR-71: The Complete Illustrated History of the Blackbird Comprehensive history of the SR-71 aircraft program illustrated with photographs and technical details.
👥 Similar authors
Chuck Yeager wrote firsthand accounts of test pilot experiences during the early jet age and breaking the sound barrier. His books provide technical details and pilot perspectives from a similar era as Shul's SR-71 experiences.
Richard Bach focuses on aviation-centered narratives drawing from his experiences as a military pilot and civilian aviator. His works combine flying accounts with philosophical elements about life in the sky.
Robert Mason wrote detailed helicopter combat memoirs from Vietnam War service as a Huey pilot. His writings capture the technical aspects of military aviation while documenting combat experiences.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry documented his experiences as a pioneering mail pilot in the early days of aviation. His works blend practical flying accounts with observations about human nature and the spirit of aviation.
Ernest K. Gann chronicled his career flying both military and civilian aircraft through multiple decades of aviation history. His books detail the evolution of aircraft technology and pilot experiences from piston engines through the jet age.
Richard Bach focuses on aviation-centered narratives drawing from his experiences as a military pilot and civilian aviator. His works combine flying accounts with philosophical elements about life in the sky.
Robert Mason wrote detailed helicopter combat memoirs from Vietnam War service as a Huey pilot. His writings capture the technical aspects of military aviation while documenting combat experiences.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry documented his experiences as a pioneering mail pilot in the early days of aviation. His works blend practical flying accounts with observations about human nature and the spirit of aviation.
Ernest K. Gann chronicled his career flying both military and civilian aircraft through multiple decades of aviation history. His books detail the evolution of aircraft technology and pilot experiences from piston engines through the jet age.