A Century of Flight Test

Location: Museum of Flight, 9404 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, Washington 98108-4097, Tel.: 206-619-5442

Date: 21 Nov 2009 - 8th Annual Joe Sutter Black Tie Dinner Lecture

Time:  6:00PM

Since the dawn of flight, the steady progression of aviation has depended on bold individuals who have extended the frontiers of flight through research and experimentation. Flight testing over the last century played the crucial role in integrating theory, design practice, and engineering to produce practical aircraft capable of fulfilling a wide range of missions for both civil and military purposes. The work of test pilots, flight test engineers, mission planners, and analysts is evident daily at airports and airfield around the world. In this presentation, Dr. Richard P. Hallion traces the evolution of flight testing over the last century; its relationship to aircraft design and technology; its influence upon aviation, as measured in the contemporary capabilities of military and civil aircraft; and its likely role in extending aviation into the second century of winged aviation. Speaker Profile: Dr. Hallion graduated from the University of Maryland in 1970. He has broad experience in science and technology museum development, research and management analysis, and has served as a consultant to various professional organizations. He has flown as a mission observer in a range of military and civilian fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. Dr. Hallion is the author and editor of numerous books relating to aerospace technology and military operations, as well as articles and essays for a variety of professional journals. He also teaches and lectures widely. *This profile contains public domain material from the United States Government - U.S. Air Force Event photographs can be found here.