Slaying Snakes in the Cockpit
In Slaying Snakes in the Cockpit, Susan Kilrain takes readers on a gripping and inspiring journey through the trials that shaped her extraordinary career. From the relentless demands of aerospace engineering and elite flight training to her service as a US Navy test pilot, earning a place among the first women to fly the F-14 Tomcat, she charts a path marked with grit, courage, and unshakable resolve, ultimately leading to the greatest challenge of her life–becoming the youngest person to pilot a space shuttle.
Alongside her story of professional milestones, Kilrain writes candidly about the personal victories and setbacks that unfolded behind the scenes, including navigating the delicate balance between family life and one of the world’s most demanding careers. Through honest reflection, she explores her confrontation with obstacles such as gender bias and institutional resistance as well as her inner battles with doubt and fear.
Slaying Snakes in the Cockpit delivers a powerful reminder that with vision, determination, and the courage to keep going, the sky is no limit–it’s an invitation.
About the Author
“You can be anything you want to be.”
Astronaut Susan is a motivational speaker, author, board member, and venture capital partner.
She is a veteran of two space shuttle flights and one of only three women to ever pilot the shuttle. Her first mission to space was cut short due to a life-threatening systems failure, while her second mission lasted 16 days.
Susan is a graduate of the Naval Test Pilot School, and she has flown over 30 different types of aircraft for more than 3,000 flight hours. Most of her flight time was in the F-14 Tomcat, EA-6A Electric Intruder, and TA-4J Skyhawk.
Susan is from Augusta, GA and holds a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is married to retired Vice Admiral Colin Kilrain, who was a Navy SEAL
for 39 years. They have 4 children and reside in Virginia Beach, VA.
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