On the first day, we flew out and had free time since there was nothing planned for Thursday. Me and my group got to site see Seattle and indulge ourselves in the different culture there. The next day was going to be full of events. In the morning, we had a personalized tour of the Boeing facility. This part was my favorite part, we were able to be on the ground right next to where Boeing assembled their 787s, 777s, 747s, and other jets. The first plane we were able to see was a 787 Dreamliner being assembled. The first stage was a tail end being assembled and being readied for the next stage. We were able to walk inside the tail end and look around to see how complex these airplanes truly are. It was an amazing experience. The next couple of stages we were not able to see around inside due to the planes being tested and worked on. The last stage was an almost fully built 787, the only aspect of this plane that wasn't being worked on or done was the engines. The tour guide (a Purdue alumni) said that whenever an aircraft is delayed, its most likely the engines or seats on board. We were able to walk inside the new 787 and take a look around to see what a brand new one looked like. That was also an amazing experience that I will not forget. After the 787, we went to go see the 777-X. This experimental aircraft had fold-able wing tips to decrease the overall wingspan for taxiing and docking to gates. We did not get to see the actual aircraft, funny enough, they did not know where this monstrous plane had gone. That just proved to me how big this manufacturing plant actually was. Although we did not get to see the whole plane, we did get to see a wing of the 777-X, with the wing being stowed (up position). After the 777-X we went to go inside a 747 freighter, again this plane was huge and just an awesome sight to see. We walked around the deck and underneath it, being able to see all that was there and what still needed to be finished. At the end, we stumbled upon the Senior Director of the facility there. Another experience that was very enlightening. That summed up our tour of the facility, it was truly one of a kind experience for someone who has never been in an environment like that.
After the tour we attended the Raisbeck high school event, an event prior to the actual gala. Here we were able to talk to some very brilliant minds in the aviation world. I had the absolute honor of sitting next to Peter Morton, a 42 year Boeing employee retiring as Vice President. He asked me questions about the integration of unmanned aerial systems in U.S airspace and whether or not I believed UAS would take over manned aviation commercially. An awesome experience being able to talk with Peter. After this event, we were invited to go to James Raisbeck's house. There we were able to talk to the high school students who were apart of the event. We toured his house and priceless cars and artifacts. The next day was the actual Pathfinders Gala. The gala was held at the Museum of Flight, we were able to eat under some very special aircraft. There was an SR-71, Ford Tri-motor, and a Scan Eagle. The gala consisted of introducing previous Pathfinders and an interview with the two newest Pathfinders, Phil Condit and Dennis O'Donoghue. Both were interviewed about how they came to the aviation and lessons they had learned along the way. Very inspiring talks from both and showed how if you put your mind to something, you can achieve it. At the end, a surprise was announced that Peter Morton was also receiving a Pathfinders award for his contribution to the Pathfinders event. Instead of two winners, there were three. Peter Morton was stepping down as the founder so the board found it appropriate that Peter should be awarded as well.
This Seattle trip was the best trip I had ever been on. It showed me how excited I was for my career in the next couple of year. I was able to spend time with a great group of Purdue students that became great friends, while learning about aviation. If I was given to chance to go back again, I would do it in a heartbeat. I learned a great deal about the industry and life lessons from the Pathfinders.
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