Millennium Magazine_8th Ed

126 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine ENTREPRENEURS I ntrigued by engineering from a young age, James D. Raisbeck would often assemble vehicles in his youth, thus prompting his interest in mechanical engineering. After enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1954, he delved into aeronautical engineering, in which his affinity for engineering has blossomed. He earned a BS in aerodynamics in 1961 from Purdue University and was subsequently awarded an honorary doctorate in engineering by Purdue. He was then hired by Boeing as a research aerodynamicist – a position he held for five years. Remaining with Boeing until 1969, he went on to serve as a new airplane and research outplant manager and program manager of the Commercial STOL Airplane Programs. A past chief executive officer and president of Robertson Aircraft Corp. between 1969 and 1973, Dr. Raisbeck served American Jet Industries as vice president of technology until 1974. For the following six years, he excelled as chief executive officer of the Raisbeck Group, subsequently establishing Raisbeck Engineering, Inc., in Seattle in 1980. Now chairman emeritus, he continues to also serve as chairman emeritus of Raisbeck Commercial Air Group, Inc. Holding numerous patents in aircraft design and aerodynamic systems, Dr. Raisbeck contributed to the redesign of the Learjet in the mid-1970s, as well as the recertification of Boeing 727 to meet stage three noise without testing limitations or touching the engines in 1996. He cites the most rewardingmoments of his career have beenmakingmeasurable contributions to airplane safety, efficiency and performance, including the redesign of cockpit doors in 2001 prior to the September 11th terrorist attacks. In light of his contributions, Dr. Raisbeck was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2012 and was a co-recipient of the First Citizen’s Award from the City of Seattle in 2007. Additionally, he was named a Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur by Living Legends of Aviation in 2008, an Aviation Pathfinder from the AIAA/Museum of Flight in 2007 and Entrepreneur of the Year by Professional Pilot Magazine in 2000. JAMES D. RAISBECK CHAIRMAN EMERITUS Raisbeck Engineering, Inc. Seattle, WA