Summitt’ s favorite parts of the Future of Flight experience include robots, simulators, and the mock-up of the International Space Station Destiny Module. He said,“ Each guide has a different way of introducing them.” He shows off the aluminum tail of a 747 compared to the composite tail of the 787, which is much lighter. He also explains the differences between the aluminum construction of yesteryear and the composite construction of today, including the types of engineers involved, such as electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineers.
He hopes, ultimately, that the tours encourage people to consider careers in aerospace.“ By showing the importance of this, you are a part of a great thing.”
ONE MAN’ S STORY BEHIND ENGINEERING FUTURE BOEING AIRCRAFT
Aidan Sesnic, flight deck and certification engineer, was inspired early to love the aerospace industry, but the Boeing Everett Factory Tour and Future of Flight visit following high school sealed his fate. Sesnic’ s interest in aviation started with an RC plane at age 13. At age 18, he became a pilot and then attended his hometown school, the University of Colorado at Boulder, to study aerospace engineering. He completed his education with a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. In fact, while in school, he was recruited by Boeing, which also paid for his master’ s degree. He added that he didn’ t need to be convinced:“ The museum and tour sealed the deal; this is what I wanted to do.”
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