Sled Driver: Flying the World's Fastest Jet

Sled Driver provides a first-hand account of flying the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft during the Cold War. Major Brian Shul shares his experiences as one of the few pilots qualified to operate this classified spy plane. The narrative covers the technical aspects of piloting the SR-71, from the challenges of handling speeds above Mach 3 to the procedures for aerial refueling. Shul details the specialized pressure suits, life support systems, and protocols required for missions at the edge of space. Through photographs and personal stories, the book documents the culture and operations of the elite SR-71 program. The text includes details about training, mission planning, and the day-to-day realities of flying the world's fastest aircraft. The book stands as both a historical record and a testament to human achievement in aerospace. Its themes of technological innovation and Cold War strategy provide context for understanding a unique chapter in aviation history.

Readers highlight the stunning photos and firsthand accounts of flying the SR-71 Blackbird. Many note the detailed technical descriptions balanced with personal stories and humor. Likes: - Photo quality and rarity of images - Behind-the-scenes perspectives on missions - Clear explanations of complex aircraft systems - Stories of near-crashes and operational challenges - Insight into pilot selection and training Dislikes: - Book's high price ($400-900 used) due to limited printing - Some find the technical details overwhelming - A few readers wanted more mission specifics - Physical size makes storage difficult Ratings: Goodreads: 4.6/5 (389 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (limited reviews due to scarcity) "Worth every penny despite the cost. The photos alone justify the price." - Goodreads reviewer "Too much focus on systems and not enough storytelling." - Amazon reviewer "The definitive SR-71 pilot memoir, but prepare for sticker shock." - Aviation forum comment

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🛫 Brian Shul flew 212 combat missions in Vietnam before being shot down near the Cambodian border, suffering severe burns. Against all odds, he recovered and became one of only 93 pilots to ever fly the SR-71 Blackbird. ✈️ The book features Shul's own photography of the SR-71, including rare cockpit shots that were initially classified. He was the first SR-71 crew member permitted to publish such photos. ⚡ During one mission described in the book, Shul's SR-71 was targeted by missile radar. He outran the threat by accelerating to Mach 3.5, faster than any aircraft had ever flown in operational service. 📚 The first edition of "Sled Driver" was self-published in 1991 with only 3,500 copies printed. These original copies now sell for thousands of dollars when they become available. 🎯 The SR-71 Blackbird featured in the book held nearly every flight record in its operational history, including the speed record from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. in 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 20 seconds.