The Learjet History: Beginnings, Innovations and Utilization

Learjet 24 (24-123, N3731)

Credit: Paul Bowen

This book offers an unique, comprehensive retrospective on the Learjet aircraft, from the establishment by Bill Lear in the sixties, to its slow demise in 2021. It accompanies readers on a unique journey through the configuration changes, and advanced technological applications that have transformed business jets and their market in the last sixty years. Important insights are given into numerous patents and innovations that have shaped the development of new technologies and aerodynamic improvements such as the winglet. Furthermore, this book presents many special missions carried out by the Learjet family, such as VIP, business and ambulance flights, research and military projects, and the use of Learjet in aerobatics, as well as aerial photography and cinematography. With a great number of original photographs and drawings, interesting events, stories and anecdotes, this book provides today’s aeronautical and systems engineers and test pilots with an invaluable source of information and inspiration. Yet, it also offers a compelling reading to students, professionals and scientists in the aerospace field as well as to curious readers with a general interest in aeronautics. 

Learjet 31A (31-131, N31LR)

Credit: Paul Bowen

Peter G. Hamel received the Dipl.-Ing. and Dr.-Ing. degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany, in 1963 and 1968, respectively, and SM degree from M.I.T. in 1965. Director of the Institute of Flight Systems (formerly: Flight Mechanics) of the German Aerospace Center DLR from 1971-2001, he also served as Section Head of Aeronautical Systems at Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm in Hamburg (1970-71), and was appointed Honorary Professor at the Technical University of Braunschweig (1995), where he served as the founding member of three Collaborative Research Centers. Peter Hamel served as the Chairman of the National Working Group on Helicopter Technology (AKH, 1986-1994), Appraiser for the National Aviation Research Program (LuFo, 2010-2020), Manager of DLR’s Rotorcraft Technology Research Program and German Coordinator for the former NATO/AGARD Flight Mechanics/Vehicle Integration Panel (FMP/FVP, 1972-1997). He also served on the M.I.T. Corporation Visiting Committee for the Department of Astronautics and Aeronautics (1994-2000). Member of the German Society for Aeronautics and Astronautics (DGLR, since 1961), the American Helicopter Society (AHS, since 1987), and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA, since 1988) and AIAA Fellow since 2001), he is also the recipient of the AGARD 1993 Scientific Achievement Award, AGARD/RTO von Kármán Medal 1998, AHS Dr. A. von Klemin Award 2001, and of the prestigious DGLR Ludwig-Prandtl-Ring 2007.

Gary D. Park received his BS in Aeronautical Engineering from Wichita State University in 1967, and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Missouri University of Science & Technology (formerly: UMR) in 1973. He served as: Boeing Wichita Associate Engineer in cyclic test and 737 design; McDonnell aerodynamics engineer in advanced F-4/F15 performance/S&C; Cessna S&C; Learjet dynamic loads; Boeing Military principal engineer in structural dynamics; and FAA ACO AE. An Engineer with 53-years of experience in projects and research related to FAA certification, structural dynamics, accident investigations, S&C, parameter estimation, flight testing, wind tunnel testing, Boeing UAV programs, GVT for B-52 cruise missile launcher, 777/737 programs, NASA Langley TDT and Calspan flutter testing, maneuver simulations for FAA/JAA, RJ-900 program; FAA oversight of Boeing/Cessna projects, and implementation of Part 26 AASR. Within AIAA, he was:  Wichita Section Chairman (1987), National Nominating Committee (1987), Region V Director (1989-95), Books Chairman (1997-99), GNC TC (1985-88), AFM TC (1981-84), History TC (1994-99). During 1981-88, he authored technical papers presented at conferences, Aircraft/GCD Journal publications, Aerospace America AFM/GNC Highlights and News articles; and was Journal publication reviewer, organizer of short courses and technical conference sessions. He was named AIAA Associate Fellow (1982). While Chairman, the Wichita Section was awarded first place: Outstanding Section, Newsletter, Public Policy and Special Event (1987). He received the AIAA Sustained Service Award (2002), and Boeing recognition for exceptional performance (1989).