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A Precision Approach

A recently retired engineer from a legendary OEM transitions to the experimental space.

Aerodynamic engineer Neal Willford reflects on a 32-year career at the Cessna Aircraft Company and what lies ahead. [Credit: Kevin Swinick/ Visual Media Group]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Neal Willford, a senior aerodynamic engineer, retired after a 32-year career at Cessna (Textron Aviation), contributing to high-profile aircraft programs including the Citation series, the reintroduction of piston aircraft, and leading the development of the Model 162 Skycatcher.
  • He emphasizes problem-solving through proactivity and experimentation, noting the critical distinction between "technically-viable" and "FAA-certifiable" as a key challenge for future aviation innovations like eVTOLs.
  • Willford foresees opportunities for lower-cost aircraft through the FAA's MOSAIC program, predicts autonomous cargo aircraft will be accepted before passenger versions, and views hybrid-electric propulsion as a viable interim solution for sustainable flight.
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When viewed from any angle, an airplane looks beautiful, and once in the air, it may seem like a personal magic carpet. We must acknowledge, though, that there is no magic happening here. It was people, like senior aerodynamic engineer Neal Willford, who did the hard work that makes our flying possible, allowing humans to do what birds can do inherently.

Willford retired in May 2022 after a 32-year career at the Cessna Aircraft Company where he worked in a number of high profile programs. And technically, while Cessna is now part of Textron Aviation, Willford makes it clear that he considers himself a “Cessnan.”

Dan Pimentel

Dan Pimentel is an instrument-rated private pilot and former airplane owner who has been flying since 1996. As an aviation journalist and photographer, he has covered all aspects of the general and business aviation communities for a long list of major aviation magazines, newspapers and websites. He has never met a flying machine that he didn’t like, and has written about his love of aviation for years on his Airplanista blog. For 10 years until 2019, he hosted the popular ‘Oshbash’ social media meetup events at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

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