Practical Aeronautics

From a practical perspective, we teach introductory aeronautics and propulsion short courses to anyone working directly or indirectly in the field of aviation.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • About
  • Courses
    • Aeronautics Courses
    • Aircraft Systems/Operations Courses
    • Aircraft-Engine/Gas Turbine Engine Courses
    • What’s Special About PAI Courses?
    • Who Should Attend a PAI Course?
  • Schedule
  • Graduate Resources
  • Outreach
  • Affiliates
  • Blog
  • Contact

Jack Mattingly Memoriam

October 5, 2021 By Keith Boyer

Colleague, mentor, role model, and friend to Practical Aero, and more importantly, countless others, Jack D. Mattingly passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 26, 2021. Jack LOVED teaching and interacting with students. He was a master at challenging them to not only think, but to think at a systems-level by applying foundational principles from a practical perspective—an approach that’s at the heart of PAI’s mission.

It’s safe to say that “Uncle Jack,” his preferred reference in the classroom, was a founding father of modern airbreathing propulsion education. He was the sole or primary author of several editions of popular textbooks: Elements of Gas Turbine Propulsion, Elements of Propulsion – Gas Turbines and Rockets, and Aircraft Engine Design. Jack’s positive influence was extraordinary as he taught thousands upon thousands of students at the Air Force Academy, Air Force Institute of Technology, Seattle University, and in continuing education short courses. Further, he became the architect of the Aircraft Engine Design system (AEDsys) suite of gas turbine engine cycle and component analysis and design software used in many university classrooms and our short courses. Users love the big-picture, aircraft-engine systems-level knowledge and insights that are obtained, and so many say they have become better engineers because of it.

Jack learned from and worked with many of the legends – Gordon Oates, William Heiser, Frank Gillette just to name a few – in the relatively short history of jet-powered flight, and in doing so, became one himself! From 1986 – 1989 while in Dayton, Ohio, Jack and wife Sheila, frequently got together with the co-inventor of the jet engine, Hans von Ohain and his wife for lunch or dinner. Their friendship led to the remarkable 38-page Historical Foreword by von Ohain that is provided in both editions of Elements of Propulsion – Gas Turbines and Rockets.

Jack’s legacy will continue to live on through his textbooks, software, and short courses. We love and will miss you Uncle Jack. Your infectious enthusiasm toward teaching and family perspective, as opposed to teacher-student, will remain a hallmark of our PAI approach.

Written by Keith Boyer and Brenda Haven

Jack D. Mattingly (circled) with most recently inducted family members of the “engine mafia” from  Tinker AFB, OK
Jack D. Mattingly (circled) with most recently inducted family members of the “engine mafia” from  Tinker AFB, OK

Filed Under: Blog

Contact Information

Practical Aeronautics, Inc.
P.O. Box 461434
Aurora, Colorado 80046-1434

Phone: (719) 659-7319
Email

What’s Special About PAI Courses?

What's special about PAI courses?

After attending a PAI course, you’ll leave with: Improved foundational understanding of airplane … Learn More

Who Should Attend a PAI Course?

Who Should Attend a PAI course?

Which Introductory or Advanced course is right for you? Anyone looking for a “big picture” … Learn More

In Affiliation with Dr. Link Jaw and with exclusive rights granted by Dr. Jack Mattingly

Practical Aeronautics is Proud to Offer:
Fundamentals of Aircraft Engine Controls, Accessories, and Health Management

Aircraft Engine Systems Design Introductory Systems Analysis

Aircraft Engine Systems Design Intermediate Engine Design

Aircraft Engine Systems Design Advanced Component Design

Cycle Analysis of Gas Turbine Engines

Why Take A Course with Practical Aero?

More than ever, today’s aircraft are complex systems requiring skilled professionals to combine their specific expertise into a fully integrated vehicle. The professionals who engineer, test, manufacture, and in any way support these aircraft are accomplished specialists, but often lack an overall understanding of the airplane system as a whole. Fundamental understanding of the airplane-engine system gives you improved ability to communicate more effectively and frame thinking beyond your area of expertise.

Find Out More

Search

SiteLock

Copyright © 2023 · Practical Aeronautics · Privacy Policy · Cookie Policy · Disclaimer · Log in