CASI Ottawa Branch Live Event

Aeronautical Designs Through Experimentation
Presented by Robert Mather

Thursday June 4, 2020 | 12:15 - 13:15

The presentation is an informal review of some of the early experiments into flight during the formative years of the industry. Without the benefit of hindsight and computer simulation about the only design tool was experimentation. Some designs seem wrong in retrospect and some came close, while others are staging a comeback. Followed by moderated questions.

Robert (Bob) Mather gained a Masters degree in aircraft propulsion from Cranfield University in the UK as part of an engineering apprenticeship with Rolls- Royce. These were interesting times in the engine business with propulsion systems for Harrier and Concorde in development.

Bob’s career spanned 5 decades and included 13 years with Pratt & Whitney Canada workingin advanced design and certification and a little more than 20 years with Transport Canada. During Bob’s time at Transport Canada the early model Dash 8s were certified as were the initial Challenger and RJ series. Two Canadian firsts that Bob had a hand in were corporate delegation and long range over-water operation of twin engine aircraft.

Bob’s 6+ years with the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) included industry policy development and government liaison concerning domestic and international safety regulation and environmental protection.