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| Chuck Killberg, an F-22 test pilot, speaks to engineering students. |
Defying gravity, turning 360 degrees in the air, flying vertically… It's all in a day's work for test pilot Chuck Killberg.
Killberg, who flies Boeing F-22 planes, visited Cal Poly Pomona during fall quarter and shared his experiences with students, faculty members and guests in the College of Engineering. His lecture was the first Distinguished Speaker event hosted by the campus chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AAIA).
A 21-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Killberg has worked for the Boeing Company in the F-22 Raptor fighter test and evaluation program for the past 14 years. He has logged many flying hours in the F-22, which is considered one of the world's most sophisticated and computerized aircraft.
Killberg explained how Boeing developed and tested the Boeing 757 aircraft, which was uniquely configured with the nose cone and wing section of the F-22 Raptor. His lecture also covered the Raptor's redundant computer system, which improves the plane's ability to survive enemy fire.
“Killberg's lecture was extremely valuable to us as engineering students. Not only was it very educational, offering a tremendous amount of insight into the testing of cutting-edge aircraft and their components, but it was also highly entertaining,” says Ryan Eggers, AAIA chapter president and an aerospace engineering senior. “I've heard nothing but positive reviews of Mr. Killberg's lecture from other members who attended. Having Mr. Killberg at our club meeting was a pleasure and great privilege.”
The lecture drew more than 100 people, including AIAA members, engineering students, faculty and guests. Killberg's visit was facilitated by Boeing representative and alumnus Tom Cossio, Eggers and Aerospace Engineering Prof. Steve Dobbs, who worked for Boeing for 36 years.