Dr. Ed Crow, ME '66, member of the National Academy of Engineering, will present a talk, titled "What makes commercial aircraft the safest and most efficient transportation system in the world."

Abstract: 

Engines for commercial aircraft are the dominant reason for increases in commercial aircraft efficiency. The engines have become more efficient by between 11/2 and 2 percent per year compounded since 1960. This discussion will explain the drivers of this efficiency and then discuss why commercial air travel is the safest form of travel today.

Biography:

Dr. Crow joined Pratt & Whitney in 1966, rising to the position of Senior Vice President of Pratt & Whitney’s Engineering organization in May 1997, where he was responsible for the design, development, validation and certification of all Pratt & Whitney large commercial engines, military engines and rocket products. He also led the research and development of advanced technologies systems to meet future aircraft requirements. Dr. Crow previously held the position of Senior Vice President for Pratt & Whitney’s Large Commercial Engines organization which included the PW4000 and JT9D high thrust family of products. Dr. Crow is a past secretary of the Society of Automotive Engineers, and a member of both ASME and AIAA. In addition to serving as past president of Pi Tau Sigma, he has served on the Engineering Advisory Board at Clarkson University and is an elected member of the University of Missouri-Rolla Academy of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineers. Dr. Crow earned a B.S. (1966) and a Ph.D. (1972) in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla, and an M.S. in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1970.

Dr. Crow is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, elected for his leadership in the engineering design of high-bypass-ratio gas turbine engines for aircraft.