Sled Driver: Flying the World's Fastest Jet

by Brian Shul

No aircraft ever captured the curiosity & fascination of the public like the SR-71 Blackbird. Nicknamed "The Sled" by those few who flew it, the aircraft was shrouded in secrecy from its inception.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0929823087
• ISBN13: 9780929823089
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Mach 1
• Length: 151 Pages
• Weight: 2.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 10.4" x 12.4"

Customer Reviews

Lucky

I got my copy from Brian when he was selling them at an open house at March AFB. He was planted right under the left wing. You could sit in the cockpit of the SR-71 for a photo for $5. That was well worth it! When you look behind you and see all that mass of black titanium, and imagine that you would leave a 30-06 bullet in the dust, it is truly awe inspiring. By the way Brian was signing, to you personally, his Sled Driver books for a paltry $35. My friend who is also a plane nut , got one too. My treat. I also got his second book by mail from him for the same price. He is a great guy who answers his own phone and takes your order himself. He is also very funny. Look him up at the next big airshow you attend. He'll tell you all about "the sled" Lee

The Author Speaks

Dear Sir,I am the author of Sled Driver, plus several other books that you list. PLEASE make the following corrections. Remove Sheila Kathleen O'Grady's name from the author's line, she was the typist, not an author. Also, there is no such book as The Challenge, also listed under my name. My publisher erroneously gave that to you in hopes it would be done, and it was not. They are now out of business. Finally, Sled Driver went out of print last year-HOWEVER-the big news is that in 2003 I have plans to re-issue the book in a newer, prettier, limited edition version. I hope to work with you in marketing it through your page. There will only be 3200 limited edition copies. I would love to talk to someone there about this upcoming project. This book is so popular and I get email weekly concerning it. Is there a number, or email that I could use to contact someone there who is interested in this information. I know this is not exactly a book review, but I have tried in the past to email you and the above changes I requested were never instituted. Sled Driver is returning and I will have more information about it for you by this summer. Please email me with any numbers I may contact to straighten out these errors and talk about the return of a very popular book. Thank you. Yes, I really am the author, Brian Shul 530-742-1000.

This book's quality is equal to that of the Blackbird itself

From the moment I picked up a copy of "Sled Driver", I was hooked. The text was not highly technical, but gave me the feeling of actually being in the cockpit. I could vividly imagine the rush of acceleration on takeoff, the surreal world at 80,000 feet, the frustration of refueling under adverse conditions. I was proud to be an American, knowing that our technology was far superior to that of the Soviet's, or anyone else's. I laughed in distain as I imagined the frustration and anger of communist leaders as they continually failed in their futile attempts to shoot the plane down. And I shed a few tears when I read about the closing of the SR-71 program.Complimenting the excellent text (written in easy to read large print) were the best pictures of the SR-71 that I have ever seen. Not just a few either, but lots of big, beautiful glossy color prints I'd be proud to hang on my wall. This book makes the SR-71 Blackbird come alive. I highly recommend it to anyone even remotely interested in military aviation.

Not too technical, the stories and specs will blow you away!

This is an awesome book! If you know anyone who is fascinated with speed, this is a great buy. The real life accounts detailed in the book provide an excellent look into the realm of flying the world's fastest jet.

This book puts you in the drivers seat of the SR-71.

This book truly shows the real emotions of the pilot and his backseater. It makes you understand the true love and raw emotions these pilots came to feel for this aircraft. Filled with humor and humility- this book was a joy to read and the photography is awesome.These photos show sights that the average person couldn't even imagine unless they saw them with their own eyes. This is a rare view of the pride these men felt for the airplane and the job they had to do in it. A true joy to read... I recommend it for all to read.