David W.

Joined AeroVironment: March 1977
First Position: Environmental Analyst
Present Position: Program Manager

AeroVironment Memories:
One fond memory was when we were doing an air pollution study of the Hawaii volcanoes using a Pointer UAS outfitted with sampling equipment. This was the first time I had really been in the field with our remote controlled UAS and Paul was our pilot for this effort. So after flying the Pointer around collecting SO2 and CO2 emission samples, Paul needed to land it in a small gravel area surrounded by volcanic rocks, during gusting 25+ MPH winds. Paul so easily skid-landed the Pointer, essentially flying it sideways onto the ground.  At the time I assumed it must be as easy to fly as Paul made it look.  It was only later that I fully understood how impressive a job Paul was doing flying the Pointer.

I also have many fond memories of brainstorming with the really creative and smart people we have had and continue to have at AV, from the early years when our focus was air pollution and atmospheric research to later with UAS.  I have learned a lot over the years and it has almost always been fun.

Monica Z.

Joined AeroVironment: June 1986
First Position: Secretary for the Publications Department
Present Position: Administrative Assistant
AeroVironment Memories:

It is hard to pin down my “most memorable moment” (I have lots of memories over the years) but I have a favorite Dr. MacCready moment that stands out:

In the early years we had our holiday parties either at the office or at the President’s house. This one particular year it was at the President’s house and I remember seeing Dr. MacCready outside on a huge trampoline bouncing up and down with his necktie flying. That is a sight I will never forget.  Needless to say I knew I was working at an “interesting” company!

Mandy C.

Joined AeroVironment: November 1988
First Position: Clerical Assistant
Present Position: Administrative Assistant

AeroVironment Memories:
I have many memorable moments over my 20 years here at AV, but there is one that stands out.  Even as I was living the moment, I said to myself “this is a once in a lifetime event, and I am lucky to be a part of it.”

It was August 2001 and I was asked to support the Helios Team and Business Development at PMRF in Hawaii. This was the big one, the high altitude test, and I was going to be there. I was very excited. We always worked as a team, no task too small, and what a wonderful gift to witness all the years of hard work and dedication payoff in the beautiful takeoff and landing of the Helios aircraft.

The day started before dawn and Helios took off at 8:48am. I knew it was going to be a long day for all, especially for the dedicated flight team and pilots. I was nervous all day and kept looking at one of the monitors in the hangar that showed a live feed from the wing cam. It was amazing. I was even lucky enough to tour the Command or Control Center inside PMRF where I saw the altitude climbing as everyone worked hard to make this a successful mission.

Around midnight I moved my car to a good viewing position near the runway and also within running distance to the only good cell reception spot on base. I had my cell phone in one hand and my walkie-talkie in the other, waiting for the latest descent information and approximate landing time. I was dozing off when I heard the news, “it’s almost here!” I jumped out of the car to look for the lights – there they were, moving very slowing above the base. After 16 hours and 54 minutes, Helios landed at 1:42am. My first call was to a co-worker in California; I promised her I would deliver the good news as it happened: Helios had landed safely and was on its way back to the hangar.

I wish everyone could have been there to witness such an amazing milestone for the NASA ERAST Program, and more importantly, a major accomplishment for the AV Team in Hawaii and California. My heart was filled with joy as I congratulated everyone I saw, “job well done!”

Diana C.

Joined AeroVironment: February 1989
First Position: Accounts Payable Clerk
Present Position: Sr. Billing Specialist

AeroVironment Memories:
I have had many moments with my co-workers over the years at AeroVironment. Some of those moments have been hilarious and some have been sad, but they have always been spent with people that I just don’t think of as my co-workers, but as my friends. Since I began working at AeroVironment (I was nineteen) this company has become my second family. I was fortunate to find a company like AeroVironment.

One moment where I felt I worked for a great company and a great man was around six months of me being employed at AeroVironment. I was channel surfing and stopped at Jeopardy. I never watched Jeopardy but for some reason I did this day. The second or third question surprised me. The answer was something like “Who developed the Gossamer Albatross?”  which of course grabbed my attention. I knew the answer, “Who is Dr. Paul MacCready.” Of course that was the correct answer and one of the players answered the question correctly. This was exciting but I was home alone so I could not brag that was where I worked. This company has taught me a lot, not only professionally, but also on a personal level.

It has been a pleasure being a part of AeroVironment over the past 22 years and I hope to have many more years ahead.

Win B.

Joined AeroVironment: February 1989
First Position: Associate Design Engineer (design, fabrication and test of the battery pack installation and restraint system for the GM Impact Electric Vehicle Prototype)
Present Position: Program Manager

AeroVironment Memories:
My most memorable AeroVironment moment was being part of the flight test team that flew the Helios solar powered UAV to the world record altitude of 96,863 feet in August of 2001.  This was the culmination of many people’s work,  taking a project from an initial concept all the way through design, fabrication, test, and ultimately to a flying vehicle.  Being part of a this team of talented engineers and technicians and participating in all phases of the engineering process was an especially rewarding experience.