Millennium Magazine_2ndEd

A Marquis Who's Who Magazine 209 A world-renowned test pilot and educator, Dr. Ralph D. Kimberlin literally wrote the book on the subject. “Flight Testing of Fixed-Wing Aircraft,” a hardcover book featuring over 440 pages of invaluable information, was first published as part of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Educational Series in 2003. Possessing more than four decades of experience in the industry, Dr. Kimberlin intends to continue updating the book to account for changes in modern technology as he moves forward with his career. Since 2006, Dr. Kimberlin has faithfully served as both a professor and test pilot with the Florida Institute of Technology. He was previously recognized as a professor and program chairman at the University of Tennessee Space Institute between 1978 and 2005, during which time he took great pride in training countless professionals in the field. Dr. Kimberlin saw 10 of his students go on to become astronauts, including Scott Kelly, who gained international acclaim as the commander of the International Space Station on Expeditions 26, 45 and 46. Dr. Kimberlin holds a Doctor of Engineering in aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the Technical University of Aachen in Germany, which he received in 1991. A former officer in the U.S. Air Force, he is credited as one of three individuals responsible for developing the AC-47 and AC-130. Early in his career, while working as a test pilot with Rocket International, Dr. Kimberlin jumped out of his first plane when it came apart during a flight test, lending to his experiential expertise in the subject. He more recently completed research with the FAA regarding loss of control of general aviation airplanes and the top 10 most-wanted list. An elected fellow of The Society of Experimental Test Pilots, Dr. Kimberlin maintains involvement with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, SAE International and the Experimental Aircraft Association. He is certified in flight testing airplanes and general aviation. DR. RALPH D. KIMBERLIN PROFESSOR, TEST PILOT Florida Institute of Technology Winter Haven, FL