Colonel Brian Shul, a retired U.S. Air Force pilot, is renowned for his firsthand accounts of flying the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a strategic reconnaissance aircraft capable of exceeding Mach 3. He often referred to piloting this demanding aircraft as “riding the sled,” a term reflecting the intense speed, altitude, and skill required to operate it. This metaphor captures the physical and mental demands placed on the pilot, likening the experience to a high-speed, high-stakes journey.
Shul’s experiences and the “sled” metaphor offer valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of human-operated flight at extreme speeds and altitudes. His stories humanize the technological marvel of the SR-71, providing a glimpse into the training, discipline, and courage of those who flew it during the Cold War. These narratives preserve an important chapter in aviation history and offer a unique perspective on the operational realities of this iconic aircraft.
