DOCSLIB.ORG

THE MARKET an American Original, Learjet Aircraft Are As Deeply Ingrained in Popular Culture As They Are in Business Circles. Th

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
THE MARKET an American Original, Learjet Aircraft Are As Deeply Ingrained in Popular Culture As They Are in Business Circles. Th “Bombardier Learjet Family.” That same year, the Learjet 60 midsized aircraft flew its first flight. Introduction of the Learjet 45 followed in 1992. Bombardier Learjet subsequently launched a brand-new aircraft program, the Learjet 85. It was the first FAR Part-25 business jet with both fuselage and wing made of com- posites. In 2013 Bombardier will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first flight ever by a Learjet. THE MARKET In 1979 astronaut Neil Armstrong THE PRODUCT An American original, Learjet and a Learjet test pilot set five The first family of business avia- aircraft are as deeply ingrained world records for business jets in tion has continually refined what a in popular culture as they are in a Learjet Longhorn 28. In 1983 business jet should be. With each business circles. Their sleek the first midsize Learjet, the model, Learjet delivers new tech- design and aerodynamic prow- Learjet 55, set another world nological innovations and efficien- ess have raised them to iconic speed record, flying from Los cies, enhanced strengths and status as the jet of choice for Angeles to Paris in 12 hours, 37 agility, and looks that make them VIPs, savvy entrepreneurs, and minutes, with one refueling stop. the envy of the industry. go-getters of every stripe. Pink In the early 1990s the Learjet Designed to deliver perfor- Floyd deemed Learjet a neces- 60 set a new industry standard as mance advantages that meet the sity in its best-selling album the world’s quietest business jet. challenges of the real world, Dark Side of the Moon, and It was also the first business jet Learjet aircraft outdistance and Carly Simon sang about her modeled using NASA’s Tranair outperform others in a variety of critical areas. of up to 3,000 nautical suitor flying a “Learjet up to transonic aerodynamics soft- They climb high and fast to fly above turbulent miles (5,556 km). This new Nova Scotia, to see the total ware, fine-tuned with the aid of a weather and traffic, saving fuel and time while aircraft will also bridge eclipse of the sun” in the song Cray supercomputer. Then, with enhancing passenger comfort, and they provide technology with ecology, “You’re So Vain.” For decades, the Learjet 45, Bombardier ush- pilots with aircraft of exquisite handling and as it is outfitted with one of the Learjet was the symbol of ered in the first business jet speed. Appreciated for their proven performance the greenest engines on the unbridled affluence and luxury designed entirely on computer. and admired for their ultramodern cabins, market today. in the minds of many. It was Learjet aircraft deliver value for passengers and The interior of the Learjet cool. It defined contemporary. It HISTORY pilots alike. 85 is designed to optimize was life in the fast lane at 41,000 In the late 1950s, as chairman of productivity and comfort feet for the wealthy. the board of Lear Inc., William RECENT DEVELOPMENTS with a cabin that features a At least that was the percep- (Bill) Lear spent more time fly- With the introduction of the Learjet 85, double-club arrangement tion. The reality was that busi- ing around the globe pursuing Bombardier has again created something unique and fully reclinable seats. nesses of every size realized the business than at the company’s and entirely Learjet. Strong, fast, and agile, the As well, its galley is spa- value of flying Learjet aircraft. headquarters in Santa Monica, Learjet 85 represents a new generation of Learjet cious and ergonomically The time savings and productiv- California. He saw that the excellence that reflects a new business world. designed to provide more ity hours gained by executives future of air travel was by jet. The Learjet 85 will fly faster and farther than room and greater flexibility. and business owners offered Lear envisioned a small private any Learjet aircraft ever built while featuring the Adding to passenger com- superior benefits to flying com- jet airplane for business travelers most advanced avionics suite in aviation. fort is the aircraft’s compos- mercial, not to mention the that would equal the perfor- Performance-wise, it will offer a high-speed ite structure, which allows for thinner wall appeal that is universally admired and desired. advantage of being able to meet mance of commercial jetliners. cruise of Mach 0.82 and a transcontinental range thickness to maximize cabin volume as well as Simply put, Learjet is the stuff of legends — the face-to-face with clients at a With that in mind, Bill Lear placement of windows. epitome of innovation inspired by designers, moment’s notice. As business grew, so did the crashed. The next few years were tough as the formed the Swiss American Aviation Corpora- engineers, and dreams that never settled for the sale of Learjet aircraft. With each new model, economy worked its way back. tion (SAAC) with the intention of designing and PROMOTION status quo. Learjet leads, but never follows. companies achieved greater efficiencies and The market had changed, but always the manufacturing SAAC-23 corporate jet aircraft. Aircraft as unique as the Learjet 45, Learjet 60, economies in conducting their business. From leader, Learjet aircraft had changed with the He had closely followed development of the and Learjet 85 require an advertising approach times. Once tagged as “hot-rods,” these Swiss P-16 fighter and wanted to incorporate that is equally innovative and category-defying. THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT business productivity tools provided aspects of it into his new aircraft, such as the To that point, Learjet advertising reflects how BOMBARDIER LEARJET pilots with safe handling, increased flex- low-aspect-ratio wings and wingtip fuel tanks. Learjet answers the needs of a new generation. ibility, and less fuel usage, and were out- On October 7, 1963, nine months to the day Learjet aircraft are built for today’s entrepre- fitted with features that allowed passengers Lear opened the Wichita plant, the first Learjet neurs and business leaders who are as comfort- m Learjet developed the first winglets to work comfortably en route to their took flight and became the first small jet to reach able with the online virtual world as they are ever in 1977, a flight innovation that destinations. Simply put, Learjet aircraft the market in volume production. Learjet taking meetings with the heads of global corpo- provides extra lift while reducing fuel were all business, and a new standard for quickly established an international reputation, rations. This print and multimedia campaign consumption. value that would pay corporations back becoming a best seller and an overnight legend. pays homage to Learjet’s heritage of leadership, m It takes the Learjet 45 XR less than 25 on every flight. By 1967 Learjet Inc. led all manufacturers in in a way that portrays a dynamic business world minutes to climb up to 43,000 feet, a sales of business jet aircraft to civil operators. that is constantly evolving. cruising altitude that allows the airplane ACHIEVEMENTS Afterward, the line of jets was expanded to to reach 2,000 miles with eight passen- The world’s first business aircraft boasts include more passenger and fuel capacity. In BRAND VALUES gers while flying 500 miles per hour. a heritage of industry-leading firsts. In 1974 the worldwide Learjet fleet had exceeded From day one, the Learjet brand has stood for 1995 through 2000, business jets were selling at December 1965, with seven people on board, the the 1-million-flight-hours mark, and in 1975 the independence, strength of character, and forward m As of March 10, 2011, 2,799 aircraft were unprecedented premiums. However, in March Learjet 23 set a time-to-climb record, soaring company produced its 500th jet. thinking. It has attracted individuals who turned delivered. Today, 2,383 are registered in 2000, the economy entered a recession when the faster than an F-100 fighter jet and reaching an Bombardier Inc. purchased Learjet in 1990. “What ifs” into “What is” while turning more the fleet and serviceable. dotcom bubble collapsed and the NASDAQ altitude of 40,000 feet in 7 minutes, 21 seconds. The aircraft were then marketed as the than a few heads along the way with sleek ramp 62 63 “Bombardier Learjet Family.” That same year, the Learjet 60 midsized aircraft flew its first flight. Introduction of the Learjet 45 followed in 1992. Bombardier Learjet subsequently launched a brand-new aircraft program, the Learjet 85. It was the first FAR Part-25 business jet with both fuselage and wing made of com- posites. In 2013 Bombardier will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first flight ever by a Learjet. THE MARKET In 1979 astronaut Neil Armstrong THE PRODUCT An American original, Learjet and a Learjet test pilot set five The first family of business avia- aircraft are as deeply ingrained world records for business jets in tion has continually refined what a in popular culture as they are in a Learjet Longhorn 28. In 1983 business jet should be. With each business circles. Their sleek the first midsize Learjet, the model, Learjet delivers new tech- design and aerodynamic prow- Learjet 55, set another world nological innovations and efficien- ess have raised them to iconic speed record, flying from Los cies, enhanced strengths and status as the jet of choice for Angeles to Paris in 12 hours, 37 agility, and looks that make them VIPs, savvy entrepreneurs, and minutes, with one refueling stop. the envy of the industry. go-getters of every stripe. Pink In the early 1990s the Learjet Designed to deliver perfor- Floyd deemed Learjet a neces- 60 set a new industry standard as mance advantages that meet the sity in its best-selling album the world’s quietest business jet.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • BRIZE ASSET RAF Readies for Tactical Transformation As It Welcomes First Airbus Airlifter to New Home
    BIG BUSINESS CUTTING KJOS IN RETREAT WHY SIZE STILL Norwegian boss calls on Significant restructuring REALLY MATTERS US critics to cease their under way for US Army IN MIDDLE EAST “slanderous campaigns” aviation after $12 billion MEBA SPECIAL P24 against Irish venture 14 reduction in budget 18 FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 2-8 DECEMBER 2014 A400M HANDOVER BRIZE ASSET RAF readies for tactical transformation as it welcomes first Airbus airlifter to new home £3.40 49 9 770015 371266 FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL VOLUME 186 NUMBER 5467 2-8 DECEMBER 2014 NEWS BIG BUSINESS CUTTING KJOS IN RETREAT WHY SIZE STILL Norwegian boss calls on Significant restructuring REALLY MATTERS US critics to cease their under way for US Army IN MIDDLE EAST “slanderous campaigns” aviation after $12 billion MEBA SPECIAL P24 against Irish venture 14 reduction in budget 18 THIS WEEK FLIGHT 8 Lion takes largest share of ATR sales INTERNATIONAL 10 UAV sense-and-avoid one step closer. 2-8 DECEMBER 2014 Rolls-Royce maintains interest in US Ospreys A400M HANDOVER BRIZE ASSET 11 Mi-171A2 makes first flight as home market RAF readies for tactical transformation as it welcomes first Airbus airlifter to new home beckons. UTC names new chief following Chenevert retirement. New Zealand to review UAV rules AIR TRANSPORT £3.40 12 GE seeks material benefits. 49 9 770015 371266 Sukhoi secures VNAV clearance for Superjet 100. Airbus Defence & Space EASA orders checks on A380 doors US Army COVER IMAGE 13 ICAO plea for practice drills in case of another US Army set to retire its Kiowa Warrior scouts P18 Airbus Defence & Space MH370.
    [Show full text]
  • Lucky Me Lucky Me
    LUCKY ME LUCKY ME The Life and Flights of Veteran Aviator CLAY LACY STACY T. GEERE Copyright© 2010 by Clay Lacy 7435 Valjean Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91406 All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this work in any form whatsoever without permission in writing from the publishers, except for brief passages in connection with a review. For information, please write: The Donning Company Publishers 184 Business Park Drive, Suite 206 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 Ron Talley, Graphic Designer Clarice Kirkpatrick, Photo Research Coordinator Andrew Wiegert, Clay Lacy Aviation Media Services Melanie Panneton, Executive Assistant to Clay Lacy Marjory D. Lyons, PhD, and Michael Je!erson, Contributing Interview Writers Dwight Tompkins, Publisher’s Representative Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Geere, Stacy T., 1967- Lucky me : the life and "ights of veteran aviator Clay Lacy / Stacy T. Geere. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 978-1-57864-635-7 (hardcover : alk. paper) 1. Lacy, Clay, 1932- 2. Air pilots--United States--Biography. I. Title. TL540.L2195G44 2010 629.13092--dc22 [B] 2010020410 !is book is dedicated to past, present, and future aviation pioneers and to all who possess an insatiable passion for flight. May your stories travel through time for the enjoyment of generations to come. CONTENTS 15 31 47 61 79 Log Book Entry One: Log Book Entry Two: Log Book Entry Three: Log Book Entry Four: Log Book Entry Five: Six Hours at the Kansas Skies to Global Skies Guppy and Friends Dawn of the Learjet Come Fly With Me Grocery Store Stories shared by Stories shared by Stories shared by Stories shared by Stories shared by Barron Hilton Col.
    [Show full text]
  • Spring 2014 a View from Our President Governor Walker Signs
    Newsletter of the Watertown, Madison, & Dodge County FBOs Spring 2014 Volume 31, No. 2 ANCE TEN AIN M A View Governor Walker Signs Bill Saving Aircraft from Our Owners on Repairs President Pilots and aircraft owners in Wisconsin could realize significant savings The Dead of Winter on aircraft maintenance under a new law signed on April 3 by Governor Scott Walker at Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation’s Appleton facility. I don’t think I have to tell anyone how “hard” our winter The law, Senate Bill 348, provides a sales tax exemption for parts and has been. I use the term “hard” because, although labor used in maintenance on any aircraft. The Wisconsin Assembly it has been a very long, cold, snowy winter, which passed the bill on an outstanding 93 to 0 vote on March 20. The bill was makes it “hard” to be in the aviation business, there are introduced in an attempt to keep aircraft owners from traveling across undoubtedly readers that like and enjoyed the “hard” state lines to one of 36 other states who already have exemptions. winter. The vast majority of our acquaintances did not appreciate the way Mother Nature treated us, and As of July 1, Wisconsin Aviation can pass these savings on to its invariably we were asked how badly it affected us—or customers. Jeff Baum, President of Wisconsin Aviation, was present at more bluntly, “I’ll bet this winter just killed you.” the signing ceremonies and commented, as quoted on MidwestFlyer.com, Well, we’re still alive. The winter was tough—tough on Continued page 3 equipment, tough on people, tough on schedules, tough on heating bills! It was brutal, but with a dedicated staff, we persevered.
    [Show full text]
  • Bombardier Learjet 60XR
    The Conklin & de Decker Report Bombardier Learjet 60XR Created on August 21, 2019 by Doug Strangfeld © 2019 Conklin & de Decker Associates, Inc PO BOX 121184 1006 North Bowen, Suite B Arlington, TX 76012 www.conklindd.com Data version: V 19.1 Bombardier Learjet 60XR RANGE 2,044 nm SPEED 465 kts PASSENGERS 7 people Cost ACQUISITION COST ANNUAL COST VARIABLE COST FIXED COST $3,200,000 $1,479,881 $2,367/hr $533,078 MAX PAYLOAD 2,104 lb ENGINES 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305A TOTAL CABIN AREA 447 cu ft AVIONICS Collins Pro-Line 21 WINGSPAN 43.8 ft APU Standard Assumptions This report uses custom assumptions that differ from Conklin & de Decker default values for Acquisition Cost, Annual Utilization (Hours), Fuel Price (Jet A). ANNUAL UTILIZATION (DISTANCE) 169,600 nm FUEL PRICE (JET A) $4.45/gal ANNUAL UTILIZATION (HOURS) 400 hrs LABOR COST $136/hr AVERAGE SPEED (STANDARD TRIP) 424 kts ACQUISITION COST $3,200,000 Bombardier Learjet In 1969, Learjet merged with Gates Aviation and was renamed Gates Learjet Corporation. Production of aircraft then began in Tucson, AZ, as well as Wichita. Bill Lear founded Learjet in the late 1950s as the Swiss American Aviation Company headquarters moved to Tucson in 1986. In 1987, Gates Learjet was bought Corporation. Lear had a vision to build a jet-powered business airplane because by Integrated Acquisition and renamed Learjet Corporation. All aircraft production was business aircraft during this time period were mainly piston-powered and slow. He moved back to Wichita. Integrated Acquisition filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1990 began laying out plans to build a jet-powered business aircraft based on the P-16 and Bombardier then stepped in to purchase Learjet.
    [Show full text]
  • Bombardier Pulls Plug on Learjet, Cuts 1,600 Jobs Synonymous with Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, the Learjet Is About to Fade Into Aviation History
    INDUSTRY NEWS Roxana Hegeman and David Koenig | IEN Industrial Equipment News | www.ien.com Bombardier Pulls Plug on Learjet, Cuts 1,600 Jobs Synonymous with lifestyles of the rich and famous, the Learjet is about to fade into aviation history. WICHITA, Kansas (AP) — Canada’s Bombardier announced in February that it will stop production of the Learjet later this year to focus on more profitable planes. That means the elimination of 1,600 jobs in Canada and the United States, another blow to aircraft manufacturing, which has withered in the pandemic. The iconic jet was among the first private luxury planes. William Lear based his design in part on military jets. The first Learjet flew in 1963, and more than 3,000 had been built since. “It was sleek and it had almost a fighter-jet pedigree,” said Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace analyst for Teal Group. “For its time it symbolized personal executive transpor- tation. Besides, Carly Simon put it into a fantastic song — that cemented its place in popular culture.” The Learjet 75 Liberty on runway approach. Source: Bombardier media library at bombardier.com Along with being a line in Simon’s 1971 hit, “You’re So Vain,” the jet showed up elsewhere in pop culture, including the hit TV show “Mad Men.” Frank Sinatra let Elvis Presley The Learjet: borrow his Learjet to elope with Priscilla Beaulieu in 1967. The Private Plane That Changed Travel In recent years, production of the plane had slowed to about one a month. Thursday’s decision was foreshadowed in The following has been adapted from an article by Jonathan 2015, when Bombardier pulled the plug on an all-new model, Glancey at www.bbc.com.
    [Show full text]
  • 2005 HQ Lear 45 Flightcheck 8 02 Lyt.Qxp
    FLIGHTCHECK Learjet 45: $9.84 mil, M.81, 9 seats, 2100 nm, up to FL510 Honeywell Primus 1000 with EICAS/EFIS, Universal UNS1C FMS, 2 Honeywell TFE731-20s giving 7000 lbs takeoff thrust. (L–R) Lacy and Learjet Dir of Flight Ops Bob Agostino perform low-speed maneuvers before By Clay Lacy their approach to ICT (Mid- ATP/CFII/Helo/Sea. Gulfstream Continent, Wichita KS). II/III/IV, Learjet and Citation series, HS125, Boeing 747 and 25 misc type ratings Learjet 45’s structural design includes a 47.78-ft wingspan and a 57.60-ft external length. Maximum operating altitude is FL510. A pair of Honeywell TFE731-20 engines power the light business jet, with each producing 3500 lbs of thrust. tomers. The original steer-by- craft in 1997 with RVSM certifi- wire system needed improve- cation following in 2000. ment and the brakes were not Bombardier began delivering ideal. Learjet 45s in 1998 and recently Bombardier has successfully delivered its 200th unit. List price addressed these concerns. I was of a Lear 45 is $9.84 million with looking forward to another first available delivery positions hen I flight tested the flight test of the aircraft and 6–8 months out. Bombardier Learjet learning about recent Learjet Learjet Dir of Public Relations W 45 five years ago the 45 product modifications. Dave Franson explains that the aircraft was in the middle of a design objective for the model 45 long, tough certification pro- Aircraft development was to maintain Learjet perfor- cess. In my opinion, the air- mance while eliminating the plane had some negatives.
    [Show full text]
  • Canada Aviation Museum Aircraft
    CANADA AVIATION MUSEUM AIRCRAFT CANADAIR CL-600 / 601 / 604 CHALLENGER SERIAL 1003, REGISTRATION C-GCGT Introduction Setting the bar high is always a risky venture in the sinusoidal up and down world of aerospace, and Canadair Limited in Montreal literally risked it all in the late 1970s with its challenging, advanced design and manufacture of the world’s first wide-bodied business jet – the aptly named Canadair Challenger. Canadair, a virtual fledgling in the world of aerospace achievements compared to the larger and more famous contemporaries south of the border, had to try harder to make itself recognized as a force to be reckoned with in aircraft design and manufacturing. Therefore, the young research and development staff of engineers, prevalent in the early 1950s through to the 1980s, was constantly tasked to come up with novel proposals, studies and product ideas to fill a competitive niche in a current or a future market. Hoping that one of these schemes would prove to be the harbinger of fame and respect in the aviation manufacturing community, numerous designs, from jets, trainers, maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and drones to military and civilian passenger transports of all shapes and sizes, flowed onto drafting tables at a prodigious rate. Unfortunately, the company’s nationality, periodic government ownership and location above the 49th parallel kept it from competing fairly for the huge United States Air Force military aviation contracts, something that was perceived to be sorely needed to survive in the burgeoning post-war aviation market. Canadair Limited in Montreal, one of the largest companies in the Canadian aircraft industry, was acquired from the Canadian Government by the Electric Boat Company of Groton, Connecticut, in January 1947.
    [Show full text]
  • BUSINESS AVIATION MARKET INTELLIGENCE 1 >> February 25, 2021 Issue #23
    >> February 25, 2021 Issue #23 a rocket-like 0.46-to-1 thrust-to weight ratio Editorial Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 1 that would leave the competition gasping in its smoke stream. In 1962, Lear moved As expected, industry consolidation Outlook his fledgling operation from the mountain 2 pressures that have mounted as a result of lake region of Altenrhein, Switzerland to the COVID-19 pandemic are driving changes Wichita and the flat plains of Kansas, the 2-4-2 Fox Trot in many corners of the business aviation 3 center of gravity for general aviation aircraft industry. Some of the most significant production. This decision was apparently Business Conditions impacts include mergers & acquisitions, 7 based on Lear’s desire to accelerate the corporate reorganizations, production program timelines, engage local talent rate adjustments, and end-of-life product A Design for the Ages (engineering, certification, and production), 8 decisions. For OEM leadership, one of the and access initial industrial revenue bond toughest calls is suspending production funding that the city was offering to attract New Business Aircraft Deliveries of older model lines, some of which may 9 business investment. in 2020 represent a significant share of its worldwide fleet. With more than 3,000 factory While the Lear brand is today synonymous deliveries and an ~60-year production run, Ladies and Gentlemen, with one word – Speed! – the rapid-fire Lear 10 Bombardier‘s recent announcement of the Start Your Engines 23 program accomplishments were equally suspension of Learjet production feels like impressive for an all-new business jet and the end of an era, and the loss of a friend.
    [Show full text]
  • Bombardier Challenger 300/600
    Bombardier Challenger 300/600 Specifications (601A) Distinctive Characteristics •Length: 68.5’ •Wingspan: 64’ CF34 engine outlet •Range: 3,875 miles •Max landing weight: 37,000 lbs FACT Originally a business jet, a stretched version forms the basis Fowler flap design of the popular CRJ commercial fleet. While the Challenger series accounts for only 0.5% of ACK traffic, it generates nearly 3% of our total revenue. Bombardier Global Express Specifications (5000) Distinctive Characteristics •Length: 97’ Large size •Wingspan: 94’ •Range: 5,200 miles •Max landing weight: 79,000 lbs FACT One of the larger business jets seen at ACK, it can fly to Tokyo Number of windows without refueling. Even though it’s a large and highly visible plane, there were only 114 operations of this aircraft at ACK in 2013. Cessna Citation Jet (Model 525) Specifications (CJ1+) Distinctive Characteristics •Length: 43’ Small size •Wingspan: 47’ •Range: 1,300 miles •Max landing weight: 10,000 lbs FACT The Citation Jet replaced the T tail original Citation and Citation 1. There were 576 operations of this aircraft at ACK in 2013. Cessna Citation Sovereign Specifications Distinctive Characteristics •Length: 63.5’ •Wingspan: 63’ •Range: 3,276 miles •Max landing weight: 28,000 lbs FACT For its size, the Sovereign can utilize relatively short runways. There were 356 operations of this aircraft at ACK in 2013. Cessna Citation X Specifications Distinctive Characteristics •Length: 72’ •Wingspan: 63.5’ •Range: 3,700 miles •Max landing weight: 32,000 lbs FACT The Citation X is currently the fastest civilian aircraft in the world. Wing under fuselage The Citation X generated 2% of ACK’s total revenue while accounting for only 0.3% of our operations.
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter of the VKI Alumni Association VKI 60 Anniversary
    Newsletter of the VKI Alumni Association ISSUE 19, APRIL 2016 In This Issue: From the Editors? ................................ 1 Alumni dinner in San Diego...................... 11 A year at VKI: 2014-2015 ........................ 2 Interview with Peter Falatyn, DC 1987 ........... 12 A Network for Helping Recent VKI Graduates Supersonic Fighters and the Learjet – TvK in a new VKI-AA support action .................. 5 post-war Switzerland ........................ 15 “. a small piece of VKI’s spirit has been flowing through the cables of one of the biggest super- Interview with Gary Johnson, DC 1975 .......... 21 computers in the world.”...................... 6 The VKI-AA 2016 Research Travel Grants ........ 24 Experiences as Visiting Professor at Chinese Uni- versities ...................................... 7 Celebration of VKI’s 60th Anniversary ............ 25 From the Editors? something you absolutely disliked in one of the previous newsletters? Do you rate VKI-AA newsletters as SPAM or are you looking forward to receiving the next issue? Do you miss a specific column in the newsletter? Do you save newsletters on your PC? Do you even print newslet- ters? Do you know that you can download any or all of the 19 newsletters on the VKI-AA website? When was the last time you visited the VKI-AA website? When did by HANS-PETER DICKMANN, DC 1987 you last visit the official VKI website? Did you like what AND EDITOR,EUROPE you saw or read? Are you acquainted with the current AND JOHN WENDT,FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE VKI VKI-AA board member(s) of your chapter/country? Will AND EDITOR,NORTH AMERICA you take part in the 60th anniversary celebration at VKI in October? Was it stressful/tiring/boring to read a Let- hy is there a question mark at the end of the ti- ter from the Editors with all these questions? We look tle? Maybe some – or even many – of you know forward to your answers! Wthe novel “The interrogative Mood – A Novel?” by Padget Powell.
    [Show full text]
  • The Vision of William P. Lear
    The Vision of William P. Lear BY ANTHONY YOUNG here are many names of individuals that are Lear grew impatient about the living conditions in synonymous with the industries they founded Chicago and the dim hopes for his future. He reasoned Tor help to expand. They include Harvey that if he joined the Navy, he could get the electrical Firestone with tires, Henry Ford with automobiles, training he wanted. When he was 16 he completed James B. Lansing with speakers, and Bill Lear with eighth grade, lied about his age to enlist in the Navy, business jets. Lear identified and established a niche in and received the training he sought. World War I jet transportation, defied the critics, and built one of ended in 1918, and he was honorably discharged. the most successful and identifiable air- Returning to Chicago, he eventually got a craft of the twentieth century in the job at the Grant Park Airport servicing highly competitive industry of business airmail planes. He succeeded in getting jets. His path to success was marked by flying lessons in the bargain. These events decades of effort. would all have a bearing on the future William P. Lear was born in Hannibal, direction of Bill Lear. Missouri, in June 1902. His parents sepa- In 1922 he moved to Quincy, Illinois, rated when he was only 6, and he moved and launched his first company, the with his mother to the south side of Quincy Radio Laboratory, selling and Chicago, where they lived in a tenement. repairing radio sets. This was followed by The young Lear was indelibly affected by the Lear Radio Laboratory in Tulsa, their abject poverty as he grew up.
    [Show full text]