Shouldn't We Move Ahead?

I hope that my blog doesn't just become a place for me to regurgitate information from other reputable sources, but I came across a video on the 787 done by AOPA and I'm afraid I just can't help myself. Watch the AOPA video here.

Besides being a beautiful aircraft to look at, the technologies used in it's design and development are not necessarily new. The thing with aviation (especially fixed wing) is that aircraft design was so innovative and functional in its beginnings that very few changes have been made. With the exception of military aircraft development, most features that you see on jets today have been around since the 1960s. One of the banes of the air transportation industry in my opinion is the lack of research and development.

It's true that military contracts are a driving force behind aviation innovations, but as a business principle airlines and aircraft manufacturers should be looking into modernizing more than just cockpit avionics and GPS ATC solutions. The old adage "if it's not broken, don't fix it" (corrected for grammar, obviously) shouldn't apply to aviation. I don't think that a major aviation accident should drive changes in manufacturing or design but rather optimistic ideas for future applications of aviation.

I do realize that there is a cost disparity between operators and manufacturers with such development and I don't have any incredible economic strategies for overcoming it but isn't that something that can be worked out as we go along?

I really meant to only talk about the wonders of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner but it sparked my little soap box rant about pushing forward with technological developments in aviation for safety, efficiency, and an overall better flying experience.

CRJ 200 Learning

This is an update for all three of you that read this blog.  I am close to completing the design for two courses that will feature the CRJ 200.  Both of these courses will be offered through UVU's school of Aviation Science this coming fall. 

I have had the pleasure of working with some great people on this project.  I have spent time learning a lot about the CRJ also.  It is such a boon to have a job that allows me to learn constantly.  Anyway, back to the point.  These two classes on the CRJ won't replace any airline's ground school but they will provide a solid foundation for understanding the principles of highly complex aircraft and will certainly give a head start for anyone considering a career as a pilot with an airline.

I hope to be able to provide some promotional material for each course eventually.  For a taste of the awesomeness that is happening with Aviation Science at UVU, go to YouTube to see UVU Aviation videos.