Dr. Jack Mattingly is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (BS & MS in Mechanical Engineering) and the University of Washington (PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics). Co-recipient with William H. Heiser and David T. Pratt of the 2005 Summerfield Award for their AIAA Education Series Textbook “Aircraft Engine Design, Second Edition”. Co-recipient with Keith Boyer of the 2019 Summerfield Award for their AIAA Education Series Textbook “Elements of Propulsion – Gas Turbines and Rockets, Second Edition.” His 20 year Air Force career included 7 years each on the faculties of the Air Force Academy and the Air Force Institute of Technology. He retired from the Air Force in 1989 and joined the Mechanical Engineering Department at Seattle University. Dr. Mattingly was previously at the Aero Propulsion Laboratory in Ohio, where he directed exploratory and advanced development programs aimed at improving advanced propulsion systems. He retired from the university in June 2000 as Professor Emeritus to write new editions of “Aircraft Engine Design” and “Elements of Propulsion”, teach professional short courses on air breathing propulsion, and provide expert witness testimony and consulting in gas turbine propulsion.
From a practical perspective, we teach introductory aeronautics and propulsion short courses to anyone working directly or indirectly in the field of aviation.
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.