SPICE: Speakers Pioneering Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship

Join us in welcoming Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology alumnus,

Bob Bornhofen, President of Sport-Jet, Ltd.

The last decade saw the biggest investment disaster in general aviation history. Over $2 billion was invested in numerous startups and existing aircraft manufacturers to build a commercially viable low-cost “very light jet”.   All have either never flown, were stalled or cancelled by serious design issues or such major cost overruns they became financially non viable. These failures have permanently damaged virtually every element of general aviation from investment capital sources, aircraft manufacturers to customers who put down millions of dollars in deposits.

The discussion will present that the opportunity yet exists for any entrepreneur or manufacturer capable of overcoming the obstacles that not only derailed the prior failures but current industry investment mentality to produce a light jet aircraft that a reasonably competent pilot can fly and afford.

 
Mr. Bornhofen is the president of Sport-Jet, Ltd., where he oversees engineering and designing of the Sport-Jet. The single engine jet aircraft is designed to serve both personal and executive travel needs. Coupled with the safest most insurable design available on the market today, the aircraft offers the highest level of safety and superior performance.

Bornhofen’s most significant aviation accomplishment is his involvement and responsibility for all design, engineering, manufacturing, and flight testing of the Maverick TwinJet. It was first conceived in late 1998 and made its first flight by the middle of 2000. In the span of only two years, Bornhofen launched a personal jet that years later still offers performance superior to today’s proposed very light jets.

With 13 years experience at TRW and Hughes Aircraft, Bob lead projects for the Apollo Moon land mission.  He has over 18 years experience with advanced electronic imaging systems in addition to extensive start-up company experience.

For more information on Sport-Jet Ltd., visit http://sportjetair.com/

Please RSVP by Friday, January 25. 

Parking is adjacent and complimentary. Light refreshments will be served.

SPICE is an ongoing speaker event to enhance the flavor of engineering education by bringing technology visionaries into direct contact with students and practitioners. The goal of SPICE is to influence the ecosystem by bringing role models in to educate the charms and challenges in realizing breakthrough innovations.

For more information on the SPICE series, visit parks.slu.edu/spice