Nerves of Steel

How I Followed My Dreams, Earned My Wings, and Faced My Greatest Challenge

By: Captain Tammie Jo Shults

Narrated by: Tammie Jo Shults - introduction, Tavia Gilbert

Audiobook-exclusive bonus content includes a Q&A between Tammie Jo Shults and narrator Tavia Gilbert and a recorded speech detailing the events of Flight 1380.

Nerves of Steel is the captivating true story of Tammie Jo Shults’ 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 1990s.

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 severed hydraulic and 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.

Bring the story to life with photos available in the audiobook companion PDF download.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Captain Tammie Jo Shults (P)2019 Thomas Nelson

Critic reviews

"Nerves of Steel is truly one of the most inspiring, beautifully written, and important books of my lifetime. I am an avid reader, but Tammie Jo's story resonated with me like no other. She is a champion for not only women but for all who want to be better, stronger, and more loving human beings. Her story and life lessons should be read by everyone. She is a model of faith, ferocity, and femininity. Despite her unique and extraordinary story, Nerves of Steel is so relatable—I felt I was by Tammie Jo's side marveling and cheering her on through every twist and turn of her life. And what a life she has had. I will tell everyone I know about this book. Must-read should be shouted from the rooftops."--Martha Raddatz, ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent and bestselling author, The Long Road Home

"Captain Tammie Jo Shults is a hometown hero to South Texans. More than that, Tammie Jo is a hero of faith. Her nerves of steel were forged in learning to trust God in all seasons—through times of turbulence and periods of testing—and to keep Him in the center of her life. In Nerves of Steel, she reminds us that life's challenges and the choices we make equip us to face anything with confidence and that we don't face them alone."--Max Lucado, pastor and bestselling author, How Happiness Happens

"It is not often that one has the opportunity to be a hero and even more seldom does that opportunity come along twice. Tammie Jo Shults's inspirational story is one of service, grit, and humbling endurance in the face of discrimination and visceral danger. Her persistence paved the way for countless pilots to follow, and against all odds her composure saved the lives of 148 people on that Southwest flight. I feel honored to know her and to have read her story and am excited that others get the chance to see what true courage looks like."--Peter Berg, director, producer, writer, and actor

Inspirational!

I loved this story - and more importantly I loved the author interview and keynote at the end which made me realize I would have much rather listened to the story in the authentic voice of Capt. Shults than I did listening to the narrator. While Tavia Gilbert did a good job - it just came out stuffy, arrogant, and condescending. At one point I stopped listening and started to google what Capt. Shults looked like because the narration caused confusion in my mind.
I loved this story and appreciated where faith and training hit the runway. I don’t recommend listening to this book during a flight but I do recommend this book!

Fantastic!

This was so encouraging and inspiring!! A great book for men and women… And parents and their kids! A great story of never giving up and being honorable all along the way.

Great story great book

There is nothing negative except for the behavior of my sex, men! We Ned to learn to become people. Tammie exemplifies what a person should be like! I wish I could be more like her!

Inspired

Just loved it, I was moved and inspired by the Christian behavior displayed in the face of So many obstacles. A great example. The narration was awesome, I loved how she did all the different voices. God bless you Tammy Jo, And family, keep up the good work.

Courage to blaze new trails

An outstanding story of someone who demonstrates in her life the power of faith in God as she overcomes massive obstacles and gains experience and skills critical to save more than 140 lives.

Faith defined

This book weaves the plight of a female breaking into a predominantly man’s world and her faith. She doesn’t curse, scream and throw a fit each time a door is slammed in her face. She relies on her faith and God’s direction. Every step of her training prepared her for Flight 1780. Make sure to listen to her speech at the end...it is from her heart.

Great story, narration could be better

I found the narration to be overly dramatic/over-acted, and the mispronunciation of some aviation terms was annoying. When Tammie Jo herself spoke it was just the opposite, real and refreshing. It’s a great story and I recommend it.

Great Read

I enjoyed her strength, optimism, faith and perseverance. I wish I read this a few years ago.

Great Listen

This is the life story about a wonderful woman who made a difference in the world, great story. Made me tear up a little.

Outstanding book!

Both well written and narrated!

What an American hero! What a special Captain and hero to us all!