Nerves of Steel: How I Followed My Dreams, Earned My Wings, and Faced My Greatest Challenge

by Tammie Jo Shults

Nerves of Steel is the captivating true story of Tammie Jo Shults’s remarkable life—from growing up the daughter of a humble rancher, to breaking through gender barriers as one of the Navy’s first female F/A 18 Hornet pilots, to safely landing the severely crippled Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 and helping save the lives of 148 people. Tammie Jo Shults has spent her entire life loving the skies. Though the odds were against her, she became one of the few female fighter pilots in the Navy. In 1994, after serving her country honorably for eight years, Tammie Jo left the Navy and joined Southwest Airlines in the early 1990’s. On April 17, 2018, Tammie Jo was called to service once again. Twenty minutes into a routine domestic flight, Captain Shults was faced with the unthinkable—a catastrophic engine failure in the Boeing 737 caused an explosion that punctured hydraulic lines and severed fuel lines, tearing away sections of the plane, puncturing a window, and taking a woman’s life. Captain Shults and her first officer, Darren Ellisor, struggled to stabilize the aircraft. Drawing deeply from her well of experience, Tammie Jo was able to wrestle the severely damaged 737 safely to the ground. Not originally scheduled for that flight, there is no doubt God had prepared her and placed her right where she needed to be that day.

Genres: Nonfiction, Aviation, Biography, Memoir, Christian, History, Autobiography

288 pages, Hardcover

First published October 8, 2019

About the author

Welcome Aboard,

For those of you who may not know me, my name is Tammie Jo Shults and I am a Southwest Airlines Captain and former Navy pilot. I grew up in New Mexico, and my early interest in flying led me to pursue a career in aviation. I eventually become one of the first females to fly the F/A-18 Hornet after overcoming several obstacles due to being a woman in the man’s world of military aviation at the time.

My time in the Navy was well spent, not only because of the flying and leadership skills I learned, but also because it is where I met Dean, the “one whom my soul loves,” and the one who has shown me love in action, as well as sacrificial support. Together, we have raised two (amazing) children, Sydney and Marshall, coaching, teaching or docenting through the years and in their interests. We live in the hill country north of San Antonio, Texas, and enjoy all the outdoor interests of the area, from four-wheeling and canoeing to shooting and fishing. We enjoy friends and family and our church. I have continued to coach javelin in the local track club and spend Monday afternoons with first through fourth graders at the Oaks Academy school-having cookies and working on life lessons (like how to write a thank you note). On work days, Dean and I go flying— for Southwest Airlines.

I hope my story can be a source of encouragement. Time and experience has taught me that while “adventures are worthwhile,” there are no adventures without adversity. And those adversities groom us, prepare us for even bigger challenges ahead, and the ability to meet those challenges—ready to make a difference. Although I am still an active airline pilot, when I’m on the ground, I would love to hear from you, my reader! Please feel free to connect with me on my social media platforms listed below.

Instagram: instagram.com/captainshults
Twitter: twitter.com/captainshults
Facebook: facebook.com/captainshults

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous story of a ranch girl from New Mexico. She broke barriers to become one of the Navy’s first women R/A-18 Hornet pilots to being the Captain of Southwest Airline’s flight 1380. Shults worked as a pilot fighting fires before going to work for Southwest Airlines.

The book is extremely well written. Shults tells of her early life, her battles to become a pilot to saving 148 lives on flight 1380. The story tells about a person who is talented, smart, competent and well trained. I like reading books about people who break barriers. I highly recommend this book.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and twenty-seven minutes. Captain Shults does a good job narrating her own book.

[J C D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing woman!

I am a coworker of Tammie Jo. I have flown with her as a flight attendant since she was a new first officer at Southwest Airlines. She has always been an exemplary coworker and most of us never even knew of any of her past accomplishments as she does not brag on herself at all. She has always been someone I enjoy flying with. I was lucky enough to fly with Tammie Jo on her first flight back after flight 1380 and she handled herself with extreme poise and professionalism on that flight as well. This is a great book and I will recommend to all. So proud to have Tammie Jo on the SWA team. Thanks for making us proud!

[L.A. Starks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tammie Jo Shults is the Southwest Airlines pilot who safely landed crippled Flight 1380 in Philadelphia, saving the lives of 148 people on board, after one engine came apart mid-air, puncturing the plane.

I recommend this book highly to all action-adventure and thriller readers, as well as to anyone facing day-to-day challenges in a job or career. Shults persisted in becoming a pilot, first in the military and then at Southwest, when too many men thought women did not belong in the pilot's seat. In one chapter after another readers will grind their teeth at the underhanded resistance she encountered. Yet from her book it is apparent her family, her will, her love of flying, her flight engineering intelligence, her experience, and yes, her faith, all built to the point that when that engine failed, her "nerves of steel" got the plane and its passengers safely to the ground.

While I don't typically read books with a big theme of religious inspiration, many readers may find reassurance and direction from Captain Shults' reliance on her faith to steer her through many difficult office-politics or plain harassment situations.

And boots-on-the-ground feminists or anyone facing challenges from being the first, new (or different) person in a more homogenous (yet very worthy) organization, can see a role model, including a few light-hearted ways to handle the challenges that come with being the new or first.

This is also a book that should please Southwest, and all pilots (and scientists/engineers), as Shults details the years of meticulous training she underwent that prepared her not only for Flight 1380, but every flight she piloted. This part should be of interest to anyone interested in becoming a pilot.

Also, in a welcome note, Ms. Shults' is entirely a team player--she immediately credits her friends, mentors, supporters, family, and fellow crew--a welcome change from celebrity-driven narratives.

Highly recommended.

[A B · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you, like me (a) don't believe in God or (b) don't associate LITERALLY EVERYTHING with "God's will" this book is likely to grate on you.

I'm a female aviation geek who RELISHES stories of women in aviation. I downloaded the audiobook expecting to get a detailed insight into the flight in question, but instead it was a lot of "Heavenly Father" talk and aviation terminology that I imagine went over most people's heads... that is, after I skipped ahead about 8 chapters. A weird mix. Take a minute to explain what an aileron is; we can do without all the breathless, cloying sermons.

There's also a lot of virtue signaling about things like eating organic, living beneath one's means and a retelling of the ENTIRE FLIGHT CREW basically having a Bible study before the consequential flight after they discovered how holy they all were.

Compared to thanking God a thousand times over, shout-outs to ATC, ground crew, etc are basically non-existent. Not holy enough, I suppose.

I also thought the person reading the book out loud was overly dramatic. Seriously - why "gild the lily" when you're narrating an impending aviation catastrophe?

[Elyse]

I wanted to read it until this line in the synopsis: "there is no doubt God had prepared her and placed her right where she needed to be that day." Ugh. No.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal book! She is such a gracious person indeed, having dealt with bullying, chauvinistic attitudes galore, and unfair treatment/ prejudices. She handled it all remarkably despite the stress it caused...I was amazed how so often the biased managers wouldn't even acknowledge the written statements that would have cleared her , how it was a mechanical failure, not pilot error! Her story is worth reading as it is also so encouraging knowing how she did have support from the kind and respectful pilots, a loving family, and friends as she persevered. Such admiration is well deserved as she and her team handled the landing of flight 1380 with a crippled engine. A favourite and recommendable book! :)

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Tammie’s journey to become a pilot. Especially meaningful was her transparency throughout the book and the way in which she let it be known how important her relationship with Jesus is in every area of her life. What an encouraging read.

[Lucy Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading for women in naval aviation. The book is almost 2/3 about her time in the navy, and 1/3 about her civilian experience, despite what the cover art might suggest. Here are a few quotes that really stood out to me:

“It also became clear to me that I was being opposed by individuals, not an organization. Some unscrupulous people abused their authority and weirded their personal beliefs as weapons, but they didn’t represent the whole. The navy wanted me in the program, even if there were those within who didn’t”

“Lord I fear I’m forgetting much and forgetting my battle to be who I am without apology for being a woman. You made me and I know there is a reason you made me a girl”

“And it confirmed, once more that I couldn’t let my identity get wrapped up in being a Southwest pilot, or in being a pilot of any kind…I was still a person regardless of my title or occupation”

Her patience and tact is inspiring to me. I hope someday I can be half the pilot and half the woman Tammie Jo is.

[Spectre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This autobiography traces the life of a talented pilot who had to fight many times for her career as a Naval Aviator and commercial airline pilot culminating with her handling of an in-flight emergency. The actions of Captain Tammie Jo Shults, her crew, and assisting passengers during the 20 minutes after the port engine of their B-737-700 suffered catastrophic damage were nothing short of exemplary. Added to the lost engine emergency was the explosive decompression caused by a fan blade penetrating the aircraft’s window. Confronted with multiple emergencies, Captain Shults demonstrated classic crew resource management (CRM) as she dealt with aircraft control, navigation, communication, and coordination with her First Officer, flight attendants, and Air Traffic Control while ensuring the completion of myriad checklists before “the time for checklists was over”. The performance of this crew exceeded the outstanding accomplishments of Captain Sullenberger’s crew’s “Miracle on the Hudson”.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a remarkable life, from ranch girl to Navy fighter pilot, to making headlines as a Southwest Airlines pilot safely landing a severely damaged plane that started coming apart mid-flight. It's a story of incredible resilience and strengh, of following one's dreams and persevering in the face of hostility and barriers placed in one's way. I enjoyed this for the most part, despite numerous occasions of tuning out whenever she started going on about how much she loves Jesus and whatnot. Frequent eyerolling on my part certainly accompanied the endless harping on about the awesomeness of God on hers... but you do you, girl.

[Nanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
I bought this book when it was first released. What took me so long to finally read it! I thoroughly enjoyed her life story of fulfilling her dream of becoming a pilot. The book was very informative and straightforward making it very easy to turn the pages. IMHO, Tammie Jo was very open and honest about her failures and successes about everything pertaining to her life, both personal and professional. I believe any female wanting to become a pilot should read this book!
Well done Tammie Jo!

[Diane Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

After seeing Tammie Jo Schults on a Leadership conference, I became interested in her autobiography. I enjoyed reading about her challenges in life as well as her faith life. I do not think that she would have gone as far if she did not have God in her life. God is the anchor that was able to stable her through all of her challenges both in and out of the Navy. It is a good reminder for all.

[Kaitlin L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5: This book was well written, but very average. It is a good telling of her life and I’m always appreciative to learn more about women helped pave the way for things but it wasn’t exciting. Didn’t make me want to keep reading. This book was also very god focused which isn’t a bad thing but was not something I was expecting. Ended up feeling like I wanted to get through this to get to my other books.

[Suzanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read about How to Persevere and Overcome

I loved this book. As a woman, who also experienced bootcamp like training, and working in a male dominant field, I could certainly relate to Captain Tammie Jo's experience. I truly appreciate the fact that she acknowledges God's help, grace, and blessings on her life in the book. Uplifting, and encouraging. Highly recommend it!

[Glesni Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was riveting and inspiring the whole way through. Tammie Jo really opens your eyes to the opposition female pilots faced entering a primarily male pilot world both within the navy and the commercial airlines. And her faith in God is inspiring to hear how He prepared her for that fateful flight and brought her and the rest of the crew and passengers to a safe landing against all odds.

[Meghan Tack · Rating 5 out of 5]

MUST READ. Absolutely insane what she overcame, such an inspiration.

[Annie Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this read! Tammie Jo’s attitude in the face of adversity is inspiring especially how she held strong to her faith throughout it. Definitely recommend this one to any women in military aviation or just aviation in general!

[Thea TR Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is supposed to be about Flight 1380 that I sort of remember hearing about. The passenger that was sucked out of her window when the glass broke from the pieces of the engine. This event wasn't detailed until after 200 pages of her life before this incident.

You have to admire her for going against all odds to become a pilot in the Navy and for Southwest Airlines. I am not a religious person so all the telling of her faith was not what I expected or enjoyed reading. But it is a major part of her life so understandable that she recounts how her faith was important to her.

I understand that in the 80's and 90's there was open hostility to women being in jobs typically designated as a man's job so she suffered through a lot of bias and outright bullying and discrimination. But I do have just a small though in my brain about why she had so any incidents of men going out of their way to hurt her career. Lying and actually putting her in danger while flying with her. Is there more to Tammie Jo? And really, if you want to be taken seriously by men in your career maybe Tammie Jo isn't a name you want to use. Who would take seriously a man called Bubba? Tammie Jo just doesn't scream professional, serious woman.

[Erin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am grateful that Tammie Jo has appeared in my network and I have been able to chat with her. This book reflects well her life experiences leading up to the aviation incident which prompted news outlets to highlight her prowess in landing a damaged aircraft, skills developed over many years of personal and career challenges, and she seems to encourage the reader to believe that we can all overcome the various and diverse challenges we each encounter along our journey in life.

[Clara K Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Loved, loved, loved this book. This book was so inspiring in so many ways. The struggles she went through to become a pilot and continued to have because of being a female. The true dependence she had on God and her living the Christian life through all areas of her life...and that doesn't even include her successfully landing of the crippled Boeing 747. Highly recommend this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written autobiography. I loved this one. It's a remarkable story of hard work, perseverance, and faith. Tammie Jo's story is a pretty incredible one - from one of the Navy's first female F/A-18 Horney pilots to safely landing a Southwest Airlines flight and helping save the lives of 148 people. Her faith and work ethic remain steadfast throughout. It was truly an inspirational read.

[Val Milborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I loved this book. The step by step development of her talents and focus while allowing God to guide her showed me that while we may not understand the whys and where’s, God does and He prepares us like He has promised He would.

[Peaceful Warrior · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish the book. It's partly about God. Oh no such a shame..

[Amy Roudbari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story!! Every young woman should read it and learn about perseverance and chasing your dreams!!

[Rebecca S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I studied Flight 1380 in grad school as a successful PR recovery model for Southwest Airlines, so I’ve been eager to get my hands on this book. While I’m not a memoir reader, I appreciated how every story (even the stories from her childhood) tied into her experience as a pilot. Every thread was relevant to the point of her story. As a younger woman who has more privilege because of the women like Tammie Jo who went before her, it was heartbreaking and intriguing to see how her gender affected her Navy and commercial airline careers too. She did a great job toeing the line between sharing her experience and not dragging fellow pilots through the mud—even as nasty as they were. Wise and respectful.

There was a lot more faith content and a lot less about the infamous Flight 1380 than expected. As a Christian, I appreciated her insights and have lots to think about as my faith folds over my career and everyday life.

I loved the bonus talk from Tammie Jo at the end of the audiobook. A great feature!

PS—if you are a public relations/corporate communication nerd, I high recommend investigating this flight and Southwest’s image recovery tactics. Captain Tammie Jo Shults was made the face who saved 148 out of 149 passengers. While Southwest touted her heroic actions, she responded that she was just doing her job. She was an everyday Southwest pilot, an echoed image of all other crew members. Every Southwest employee is a hero. This memoir continues sharing Tammie Jo’s humbleness and nurturing character, and she also provides a convincing argument why Southwest—despite resolved flaws from prior gender discrimination issues—is the greatest airline of all time.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quote from her book, “A true hero is someone who takes the time to see and makes the effort to act on behalf of someone else,” pretty much sums it up. CPT Shults writes this at the end of her book after the description of her flight landing of Flight 1380, but throughout her life and this book she exemplifies this. Whether it was care for her family, friends, fellow aviators, or passengers. She paved the way for female Naval Aviators allow she gives herself little credit, and says that she just wanted to fly. Definitely Recommend this book.

[Joan Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

After recently watching an episode of Air Disasters about Southwest Airlines Flight 1380, I was impressed with the calm and collective manner in which Captain Tammie Jo Shults was able to successfully land the crippled aircraft. When I learned she had written a book, I immediately snatched a copy and read it in two days.

Tammie Jo went through a lot of opposition to get where she is today, but she never gave up on wanting to become a pilot. I like that she placed her faith in God and awaited His timing. The story of Flight 1380 was my reason for purchasing the book, but I enjoyed reading about her growing up years, her career as a Navy Officer, and her later career with Southwest Airlines.

I found the book nicely paced, and the sections about flying weren't too technical for readers with no knowledge of piloting a plane.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys aviation stories and to read about someone who isn't ashamed to share her faith.

[Katie Halbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quality Lucy Freidenrich recommendation! This is the first audio book I’ve ever managed to finish and I think the way the author shares her life story is key to that. There was no sense of being rushed, she moved through each phase of her life with equal weight and her own appreciation for the small things added to mine.

[Stephanie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible testimony. I have so much respect and admiration for Tammy Jo. She has a much better attitude than I ever would if I faced the challenges she did. And she did it all with humility. I love how she talks about habits, and how her decades of time with the LORD equipped her and shaped her character. It was fun hearing her read at the start and end of the audiobook.

[Karen Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disappointed and a bit surprised about the BS she received from the SWA pilots.
It is a bit heavy on the religion but that's Capt Shults' life.
Not quite linear in the story telling

Stay away from LGA.