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

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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, Vietnam veteran, author, photographer, and inspirational speaker, passed away at 75 after suffering a heart attack following a speaking engagement.
Shul's life was a testament to resilience, as he survived being shot down and badly burned in Vietnam, defying expectations to return to flight and eventually pilot the advanced SR-71.
He was a prolific author of aviation books, including "Sled Driver," and a popular speaker who shared declassified SR-71 stories and inspired audiences with his message of gratitude for a "second chance at life."

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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.