Testing airplane windshields

Two famous experiments were done several decades ago to test the strength of windshields used for aircraft and train engines. The first was handles by Engineers at a major aerospace company. They were tasked to document the effects of birds hitting the windshields of aircraft on take-off and landing. The study was in answer to a continuing problem of birds near airstrips including a couple where geese had caused the windshields for fail leaving a feathery sight problem for the stunned pilots.

The Engineers designed and built a powerful gun allowing them to shoot dead chickens at the windshields. The simulations were extremely effective in developing the right windshield at the right angles to protect the cockpit crew and stability of the airplanes.

Several industry publications reported the success much to the delight of some Engineers working on a similar project for a train manufacturer. It seemed they were experiencing similar problems when trains and geese were having unfortunate meetings at windshield level. After reading about the success, the Engineers working on the train study contacted the plane Engineers seeking the test specifications.

Test after test failed, yet the Engineers at the locomotive company persevered trying to find the right glass and angle for the windshields. Windshield after windshield shattered until the Engineers determined it necessary to seek more help from the plane Engineers.

After reviewing what the train Engineers had done the plane Engineers quickly knew what had gone wrong.

They sent a message to the train engineers a four-word message that lead to the ultimate success in just a couple of days.

Click here to find out what the message said.

Knowing how to do something is often dependent on the technique used to do it.

Life Leadership Lesson: Before copying another’s procedure, get all the facts.

About the author:

Rick Weaver is a franchise owner and Executive Search Consultant with Patrice & Associates, one of America’s largest Staffing Specialist companies with over 175 offices across the United States. With 30 years of experience successfully placing managers at all levels of an organization, Patrice & Associates sets the Gold Standard of recruiting. Rick has personally worked with thousands of managers and management teams to strengthen their results.