Brian Shul has died

[Richie Slow]

Brian Shul, SR71 pilot, keynote speaker, charity fundraiser and author of books such as "Sled Driver" and "The Untouchables" died suddenly last night. Despite being a contentious character at times he overcame huge obstacles and achieved so much in his life.

A sad day for aviation enthusiasts

[RobGT81]

Amazing what he went on to achieve after his shunt in Vietnam. His talks on Youtube are well worth a listen.
"..and a 12 year old was reaching for the mic button..."

[MACEMAN]

So so sad to hear this news today RIP God Speed Brian.

The aviation world has lost one of its brightest luminaries. Major Brian Shul was an incredible survivor and a top gun pilot – but also a gifted photographer and storyteller with the ultimate access pass. His brilliant tales of flying the extraordinary SR-71 Blackbird – the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft in history – will live forever.

Please if you have an hour or two watch some of his YouTube footage,, he was an amazing man Very sad day.

[Voldemort]

MACEMAN said:

So so sad to hear this news today RIP God Speed Brian.

The aviation world has lost one of its brightest luminaries. Major Brian Shul was an incredible survivor and a top gun pilot – but also a gifted photographer and storyteller with the ultimate access pass. His brilliant tales of flying the extraordinary SR-71 Blackbird – the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft in history – will live forever.

Please if you have an hour or two watch some of his YouTube footage,, he was an amazing man Very sad day.

Holy decloaking. We've waited 15 years for you to say something...

[Strangely Brown]

Damn. The world is once more a sadder place.

I met him at Reno Air Races in 2003 where he had a small, one-man stand selling his book Sled Driver. Unfortunately for me it did not click who I was talking to and I moved on after a few minutes. Had I realised I would have spent more time chatting (he wasn't busy) and would probably have bought the book.

One of life's little missed opportunities.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILop3Kn3JO8

Edited by Strangely Brown on Wednesday 24th May 07:10

[RobGT81]

Rewatched this last night. Top bloke. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFJMs15sVSY

[TGCOTF-dewey]

RobGT81 said:

Amazing what he went on to achieve after his shunt in Vietnam. His talks on Youtube are well worth a listen.
"..and a 12 year old was reaching for the mic button..."

That is a great tale that one.

[Richie Slow]

Sadly, he got slated a lot because it’s not actually a true story but told in a “could have happened” way. Nonetheless, he did generate a huge amount of enduring interest in a niche project.

He achieved so much in his life and plans are being made for a full military honours funeral at Arlington in due course.

Edited by Richie Slow on Wednesday 24th May 18:55

[nigelpugh7]

I had heard of him before but never really taken that much notice.

I’ve just watched that YouTube video when he gives that presentation to the university.

I watched every single minute of it and I’m so pleased I did, an inspirational talk from an incredible man.

Thanks for sharing the links here guys, they made my day.

RIP Mr Sled Driver, there will be plenty of people in heaven happy to hear your stories told over and over again.