Bob Gilliland

About the Author

Bob Gilliland is a legendary figure in aviation history, renowned for his daring exploits as a test pilot during the golden age of American aerospace innovation. With a career spanning decades at Lockheed's Skunk Works, he piloted the first flights of iconic aircraft that shaped modern warfare and exploration, embodying the fearless spirit of those who pushed the boundaries of speed and technology. Gilliland's memoir, Speed: The Life of a Test Pilot and Birth of an American Icon, offers an intimate glimpse into the high-stakes world of experimental flight, blending heart-pounding anecdotes with reflections on the engineers and visionaries who built America's aviation legacy. Now retired, he continues to inspire through lectures and writings that celebrate human ingenuity and the thrill of the unknown skies.