Evergreen museum to host Brian Shul, SR-71 pilot
The Evergreen Aviation Museum will host aviation legend and
SR-71 pilot Brian Shul to provide an unforgettable Father’s
Day experience for the whole family.
Father’s Day festivities will begin on Saturday, June 19
and will continue through Sunday, June 20. Throughout the
weekend, Fathers will enjoy presentations by Shul at 11 a.m. and 1
p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, as well as veteran aircraft
presentations, B-17 walk-throughs at $3 per person and cockpit
viewings of the SR-71 Blackbird. Fathers get $1 off the
admission price on Sunday, June 20.
The featured Father’s Day dinner event will begin at
6:30pm on Saturday, June 19. Cost for the event is $25 per
adult and $15 per child under 12. Cost includes dinner,
dessert and beverages as well as the opportunity to hear a private
presentation by Shul. Additional activities that evening
include a book-signing, an opportunity for children and parents to
enjoy the new interactive exhibits, a special raffle with a chance
to win a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum, special cockpit
viewings and museum tours. Tickets must be purchased by June
11, 2004 by calling 503-434-4023.
Shul spent 20 years as
an Air Force fighter pilot and culminated his flying career by
piloting the SR-71 Blackbird for four years. This was a
remarkable accomplishment, since 11 years earlier, he was forced to
ride his stricken plane into the jungles of Viet Nam and was
severely burned in the crash. Lucky to survive and be
rescued, he spent one year in military hospitals, underwent 15
reconstructive surgeries and was told his flying days were over.
Miraculously, Shul returned to active duty and was selected to fly
the world’s fastest, highest flying jet. Only 152 men
have ever piloted the SR-71, and Shul was key to providing
post-strike reconnaissance during the Libyan Crisis in1986, when he
flew an unprecedented three consecutive days against
Khaddafi’s terrorist camps.
Shul, also an author, has recently released his most
extraordinary book, an unparalleled Limited Edition of the original
Sled Driver featuring new stories and photographs, and each of the
numbered copies are hand-signed by four prominent crew
members. It is the definitive photo essay on the most
remarkable aircraft in the first 100 years of flight, the mighty
SR-71. Books and autographs will be available at the June 19
dinner event.
The Evergreen Aviation Museum’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5
p.m., daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s
Day and Easter. An extensive museum store and friendly café
add to the Museum experience. The Museum is located at 500 N.E.
Captain Michael King Smith Way about five miles southeast of
McMinnville, Ore., on Highway 18 near the airport. Regular visitor
admission is required. Call (503) 434-4180 for more information, or
visit the museum's website.
NTSB Prelim: Piper PA-23
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