Learjet History

Peter G. Hamel received the Dipl.-Ing. and Dr.-Ing. degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany, in 1963 and 1968, respectively, and SM degree from M.I.T. in 1965. Director of the Institute of Flight Systems (formerly: Flight Mechanics) of the German Aerospace Center DLR from 1971-2001, he also served as Section Head of Aeronautical Systems at Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm in Hamburg (1970-71), and was appointed Honorary Professor at the Technical University of Braunschweig (1995), where he served as the founding member of three Collaborative Research Centers. Peter Hamel served as the Chairman of the National Working Group on Helicopter Technology (AKH, 1986-1994), Appraiser for the National Aviation Research Program (LuFo, 2010-2020), Manager of DLR’s Rotorcraft Technology Research Program and German Coordinator for the former NATO/AGARD Flight Mechanics/Vehicle Integration Panel (FMP/FVP, 1972-1997). He also served on the M.I.T. Corporation Visiting Committee for the Department of Astronautics and Aeronautics (1994-2000). Member of the German Society for Aeronautics and Astronautics (DGLR, since 1961), the American Helicopter Society (AHS, since 1987), and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA, since 1988) and AIAA Fellow since 2001), he is also the recipient of the AGARD 1993 Scientific Achievement Award, AGARD/RTO von Kármán Medal 1998, AHS Dr. A. von Klemin Award 2001, and of the prestigious DGLR Ludwig-Prandtl-Ring 2007.Gary D. Park received his BS in Aeronautical Engineering from Wichita State University in 1967, and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Missouri University of Science & Technology (formerly: UMR) in 1973. He served as: Boeing Wichita Associate Engineer in cyclic test and 737 design; McDonnell aerodynamics engineer in advanced F-4/F15 performance/S&C; Cessna S&C; Learjet dynamic loads; Boeing Military principal engineer in structural dynamics; and FAA ACO AE. An Engineer with 53-years of experience in projects and research related to FAA certification, structural dynamics, accident investigations, S&C, parameter estimation, flight testing, wind tunnel testing, Boeing UAV programs, GVT for B-52 cruise missile launcher, 777/737 programs, NASA Langley TDT and Calspan flutter testing, maneuver simulations for FAA/JAA, RJ-900 program; FAA oversight of Boeing/Cessna projects, and implementation of Part 26 AASR. Within AIAA, he was:  Wichita Section Chairman (1987), National Nominating Committee (1987), Region V Director (1989-95), Books Chairman (1997-99), GNC TC (1985-88), AFM TC (1981-84), History TC (1994-99). During 1981-88, he authored technical papers presented at conferences, Aircraft/GCD Journal publications, Aerospace America AFM/GNC Highlights and News articles; and was Journal publication reviewer, organizer of short courses and technical conference sessions. He was named AIAA Associate Fellow (1982). While Chairman, the Wichita Section was awarded first place: Outstanding Section, Newsletter, Public Policy and Special Event (1987). He received the AIAA Sustained Service Award (2002), and Boeing recognition for exceptional performance (1989).

• Introduction.- Beginnings.- Swiss American Aviation Corporation (1962 - 1963).- Lear Jet Corporation (1963-1966).

“This book is a monument for the Learjet and Bill Lear written with an unbelievable amount of technical information supported by visual printed content, drawings of modifications and a great amount of photographs. A must for every LJ pilot or business pilot and their worldwide users. The authors must have worked on this for years because all technicalities are well researched and detailed described. I am sure competition must have acquired this book also.” (Max Heldring, Aviation Book Reviews, aviationbookreviews.com, April 26, 2023)“All readers will appreciate the organization of the chapters into the various major stages of the lifecycle of this company, including its success and failures and ultimate demise. … The book is one of the best … books I have reviewed yet, with marked improvements in graphic quality, which includes tables, charts, and line illustrations. … If Hamel’s and Park’s text encouragesyou to capture today’s experience for the benefit of our future, then it will, I believe, have achieved its desired effect.” (Mark Jones, COCKPIT MAGAZINE, July-December, 2022)“It describes to the reader the birth of the design and the company, and it also covers significant technical challenges that will interest the engineering mind. … All readers will appreciate the organization of the chapters into the various major stages of the lifecycle of this company, including its success and failures and ultimate demise. … If Hamel’s and Park’s text encourages you to capture today’s experience for the benefit of our future, then it will, I believe, have achieved its desired effect.” (Medium, medium.com, October 6, 2022)