Renowned Aviator Brian Shul Dead at 75

SR-71 pilot, author, and motivational speaker suffered heart attack after a speech in Reno, Nevada.

Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 04:35 PM ET

Verified

Renowned aviator Brian Shul, 75, died after suffering a heart attack after a speech in Reno, Nevada. [Credit: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

Brian Shul, a celebrated SR-71 Blackbird pilot, inspirational speaker, author, and photographer, passed away at 75 after suffering a heart attack following a speaking engagement.
He famously overcame severe burn injuries after being shot down in Vietnam to return to flight status, subsequently piloting the SR-71 Blackbird after passing an astronaut-level physical.
Shul was known for his engaging storytelling about his SR-71 missions during the Cold War, often sharing declassified details, and authored several books on aviation, featuring his own photography.
He inspired audiences with his resilience, gratitude for a "second chance at life" after his combat injury, and his unique insights into flying the world's fastest jet.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Brian Shul—SR-71 Blackbird pilot, inspirational speaker, photographer, author, and gifted storyteller has flown west. He was 75.

According to a social media post from his sister, Maureen Shul, on Monday, Shul was speaking in front of a large military group in Reno, Nevada, on Saturday night. As was his custom, he ended the event by signing copies of his books—he wrote several, including Sled Driver, Flying the World’s Fastest Jet that chronicled his experiences flying the SR-71 Blackbird.