Beyond Borders
U.S. Air Force Academy Cadets Tour
Pratt & Whitney Propulsion
“Engineers are the people who take the theory and turn it into reality.”
- Dr. Robert Ballard, best known for his 1985 discovery of the Titanic. Also, he is a National Geographic Society explorer-in-residence, and president of the Institute for Exploration in Mystic, Conn.
by Chris Brunson
photography by Pablo Zevallos, Pratt & Whitney
The stated mission of the U.S. Air Force Academy is “to inspire and develop outstanding young men and women to become Air Force officers with knowledge, character and discipline; motivated to lead the world’s greatest aerospace force in service to the nation.”
To see the place where a jet engine is “born” can provide insight for cadets training to fly, engineer or command aviation support. To see the “guts’ of propulsion units is priceless experience. To talk with the engineering teams who innovate to gain performance by design can cause a quantum leap in a career path.
Corporate leadership can pave the way for innovative learning, building industry collaborations that work across a lifetime.
Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corporation, recently hosted U.S. Air Force Academy cadets at the company’s Engine Center in Middletown, Conn.
The cadets are currently enrolled in the aeronautical engineering program at the academy located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cadets studies include design and learning how to operate and maintain aircraft propulsion systems.
This on-site visit, part of a four-year support/industry commitment by Pratt & Whitney, allowed cadets to tour manufacturing operations and see first-hand how jet engines are assembled and tested.
“Pratt & Whitney agreed to sponsor a U.S. Air Force Academy propulsion class for the next four years (2006-2010),” said Bill Begert (U.S.A.F. Academy class of 1968), vice president, military international programs & business development. “This partnership will benefit both Pratt & Whitney and the academy, and we look forward to continuing to participate in this initiative.”
Dr. Aaron Byerley (class of 1978) and the aeronautics department head remarked, “This trip has been a tremendous experience for our propulsion students. This one week outside the classroom validates and cements everything we have learned this semester inside the classroom. We are grateful for the tremendous support of Pratt & Whitney and the Association of Graduates.”
Pratt & Whitney, a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines, is part of United Technologies (UTC), based in Hartford, Conn. UTC is a diversified company providing high-technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries. Pratt & Whitney military engines at work across the globe include the F119 powering the F-22 Raptor, the F117 for the C-17 Globemaster III; F100 for F-15 and F-16 fighters; J52 for the EA-6B Prowler; TF33 powering AWACS, and the B-52, and KC-135 aircraft.
‘Above and Beyond’
“Cadets will have the opportunity to learn and see all phases relating to what it’s like to work in the industry,” said Mark Hille, regional development director, Association of Graduates (AOG), U. S. Air Force Academy.
The men or women cadets will choose career paths that vary from leading aircraft maintenance teams to the acquisition portion of aviation operations. Some may become engineers and work with industry leaders to push the envelope of aviation performance. And yes, some will become pilots.
Hille’s role is help facilitate the relationship between corporate leaders and the academy. The AOG is a private, non-profit, charitable corporation composed of alumni, parents of cadets, private businesses and friends. The association manages numerous endowment and memorial funds and provides funding above and beyond the core pathways of learning.
“Much of the cost of attending the academy is paid for by taxpayers and federal support,” said Hille. “Programs such as the one Pratt & Whitney is funding are what we call ‘on the bubble’ - the type of learning that can make a significant difference for the cadets. We call it the margin of excellence.”
Last year, some $2 million was given to the academy through private support.
The U.S. Air Force Academy is the youngest of the four service academies, and is recognized as one of the finest colleges in the nation. Average cost to put one cadet through the four-year program is $282,562; the education portion is valued at about $123,000.
Resources:
To learn how corporate leaders can fund innovative learning partnerships with the academy, write to Association of Graduates (AOG), 3116 Academy Dr., USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475; or call 719.472.0300; e-mail aog@usafa.org. The AOG accepts corporate matching gifts. Web site is www.usafa.org.
A synopsis about the education and life experience at the academy, from The Princeton Review: “Being appointed and accepted to the U.S. Air Force Academy is by far the most difficult and competitive route to becoming an officer. In addition to standard academics every cadet takes classes in military strategy, doctrine, heritage and professionalism intended as preparation for becoming an officer. Summers are spent on aviation training; upperclassmen have the responsibility of leading the training exercises. After receiving light-plane instruction cadets must pass a solo flight in order to be selected for undergraduate pilot training upon graduation. After graduation many cadets become navigators and pilots while others are selected to become part of the Air Force management team.”
To learn more see www.princetonreview.com.
The United States Air Force Academy is a government owned and operated institution of higher learning. For more information on programs and admission requirements visit www.usafa.af.mil; or call 719.333.1110.
