In 1978-79 I worked at Gates Learjet in Wichita, Kansas as the lead airframe and sheet metal inspector on the Learjet 55 prototype. At the time other than the project engineers and designer I probably knew more about the airframe of the 55 than anyone. I spent almost 30 years working on aircraft around the world on every kind of aircraft from Piper Cubs to the Space Shuttle as an airframe and sheet metal mechanic and inspector and I will say my favorite airplane to be associated with was the Learjet 55.
This is a great interview and I thank you for posting it. I think the 55 is often a mystery to a lot of people who never actually encounter one. The one-off cousin around the Lear family dinner table, so to speak. Personally, it is one of my favorite airplanes of all time, but, then again, I speak in terms of cabin usage since I have zip for stick time in one-- though there are a lot of seating/cargo configurations to work with in accommodating various needs. I've always known they are a ground hog for takeoffs.. which is indeed the main weak point since you won't be getting revenue out of Podunkville like you could with some others in it's class. I also realize that it is a man-handling airplane, but it's not exactly like you are working to run a steam locomotive with coal shovels and valve knobs, either. Quite sufficiently equipped up front. Overall a very nice airplane for it's intended purposes. Thanks again for a great interview post.. and a special thanks to this pilot for saving lives with his work!
In 1978-79 I worked at Gates Learjet in Wichita, Kansas as the lead airframe and sheet metal inspector on the Learjet 55 prototype. At the time other than the project engineers and designer I probably knew more about the airframe of the 55 than anyone. I spent almost 30 years working on aircraft around the world on every kind of aircraft from Piper Cubs to the Space Shuttle as an airframe and sheet metal mechanic and inspector and I will say my favorite airplane to be associated with was the Learjet 55.
This is a great interview and I thank you for posting it. I think the 55 is often a mystery to a lot of people who never actually encounter one. The one-off cousin around the Lear family dinner table, so to speak. Personally, it is one of my favorite airplanes of all time, but, then again, I speak in terms of cabin usage since I have zip for stick time in one-- though there are a lot of seating/cargo configurations to work with in accommodating various needs. I've always known they are a ground hog for takeoffs.. which is indeed the main weak point since you won't be getting revenue out of Podunkville like you could with some others in it's class. I also realize that it is a man-handling airplane, but it's not exactly like you are working to run a steam locomotive with coal shovels and valve knobs, either. Quite sufficiently equipped up front. Overall a very nice airplane for it's intended purposes. Thanks again for a great interview post.. and a special thanks to this pilot for saving lives with his work!
Great interview, thank you!
The aircraft discussed in this video have nothing whatsoever to do with Bombardier.