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.

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Bill Heiser Memoriam

October 10, 2022 By Keith Boyer

It is not circumstantial, and indeed entirely fitting, that I find myself writing another one of these for “Uncle Bill,” “Dr H,” William H. Heiser, after his passing on September 26, 2022…one year to the day when Jack Mattingly passed.  The two were great friends, the closest of friends, humanly and spiritually.  At the urging of Jack, who flew to Colorado Springs weeks before his own death to convince Bill to move to the Seattle area close to family, Bill moved into his new Seattle residence on the day of Jack’s passing. 

 I met Dr H in 1993 where he was a Professor and I an AF Captain at the USAF Academy in the Department of Aeronautics.  I shared an office ‘suite’ (row of cubicles) and a couple phone lines with him and a few others.  Just a few months in, I’ll never forget picking up the ringing phone with a female voice saying “Hello this is Sheila, is Dr H there?”  The Sheila was the Honorable Dr Sheila E. Widnall, the 18th Secretary of the United States Air Force!  You would never know it by his demeanor, but Bill Heiser was one of the most highly knowledgeable and respected propulsion giants of the modern era.  He was being called by his country to head up a review board to fix a major engine issue that was resulting in losses of military lives and airplanes.  He served in this capacity many times.  He was also a teammate of mine on an Academy intramural bowling league (for the record, his average was lower than mine).

Bill Heiser (circled) with his last class of students (2017) from his beloved AFRL in OH.

Bill LOVED teaching and interacting with students of all ages. He was a master storyteller, captivating his audiences with witty, practical tales from his extraordinary experience base to drive home foundational principles at a systems-level—an approach that’s at the heart of PAI’s mission.  He was author/co-author of two textbooks: Hypersonic Airbreathing Propulsion, with Dave Pratt, and Aircraft Engine Design, with Jack Mattingly and Dave Pratt.  Bill’s witticism is displayed in full force in the current 3rd edition of Aircraft Engine Design, page 85, where discussing the finer points of airplane structural, fuel, and payload weight fractions, he writes: “This is a scenario rich with heroes and villains, real and imaginary.”  This is language one would expect to find in a romance novel, not in an advanced engineering textbook…this is classic Bill Heiser…you want to read on to get to the exciting conclusion!

Bill Heiser was a mentor, role model, colleague and friend to myself, Jack, Hans von Ohain, and countless others.  Over a 50-year balanced career in education, government, and industry, Bill was the Chief Scientist at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex and AF Propulsion Lab (he convinced co-inventor of the jet engine, von Ohain, to replace him in this role).  He held key leadership positions in Turbine Technology at P&W, Advanced Technology at GE, and VP/Director of Research, Aerojet General Corp.  He was on the faculty of USAFA, MIT, UC-Davis, and Cambridge University, UK.  His positive influence was extraordinary reaching thousands upon thousands, the last few years with us at PAI (2012-2017).

Enjoying malts after teaching in Lexington Park, MD with close friends, Keith Boyer (L) and Jack Mattingly.

                Bill’s legacy will continue to live on through his textbooks, short courses, and far-reaching influence.  We love and will miss you Uncle Bill.  Your infectious enthusiasm toward teaching, famous story-telling, and family perspective, as opposed to teacher-student, will remain a hallmark of our PAI style.

See tribute to Bill posted by Col Doug “Beaker” Wickert, current Permanent Professor & Head, Dept of Aeronautics, USAF Academy.

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.

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