Evolving HQR1 Controls: So Easy a Caveman Can Fly It!
Kevin “Link” Christensen (AF)
Senior Staff Engineer and Associate Technical Fellow, Bell Textron Flight Controls
Presented by the VFS Southwest Chapter with AIAA, SETP, SFTE
Join us for the Presentation followed by a Network Social with Students & Young Professionals
Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Texas Star
1400 Texas Star Parkway, Euless, TX 76040
6pm Doors Open
6:45pm Presentation
7:15-8pm Hor D’oeuvres & Social
Since the Cooper-Harper Handling Qualities Rating (HQR) scale was first introduced in 1969, aircraft control systems have evolved to significantly reduce pilot workload and improve handling qualities. In particular, the introduction of automation with advanced fly-by-wire flight controls has made the assignment of the elusive HQR1 a reality. With an advanced flight control automation system, the pilot can focus less on hands-on aircraft control and more on mission execution. Such a system could also minimize the training needed to fly the aircraft. This presentation will cover recent simulation and flight test research aimed at improving handling qualities though the incorporation of advanced control automation. Kevin graduated from the US Air Force Academy and served as a USAF pilot and F-22 test pilot and is an SETP Associate Fellow (AF).
Members: $32
Member Guest: $37
Non-Members: $42
Students: FREE!
This event serves as a VFS chapter fundraiser event with a silent auction
• Ft Worth aviation museum tickets
• Custom, Cliff Harrell made, wood Bell 525 and MV-75 puzzles
• Pottery from Ahaus Studios
• A private, in-home whiskey tasting for you and three friends
• And more!!!
For additional information on the event or VFS, please feel free to contact one of the following people:
Elizabeth Ward (817) 280-3806
Angela Buccio (817) 280-5227
Please RSVP by completing the online form HERE or through PayPal at southwest.vtol.org by 5pm 20 August
If you have any issues with the form, please email Elizabeth Ward at eward01@bellflight.com
Congrats North Texas Section and Student Branches on AIAA Awards!
AIAA has recognized the North Texas Section with the following section awards for the AIAA 2025-26 fiscal year (July 2025-June 2026). AIAA’s 58 sections are a viable component to the organization and the members’ experience. North Texas has moved up from a Large to a Very Large section due to increased membership. The only categories North Texas did not receive any awards for during this period were for Public Policy and STEM K-12.
For Very-Large Section Category
- Outstanding Section Award – 2nd Place
- Outstanding Activity Award – 1st Place Tie (for 2026 Southwest Aerospace Symposium at UTA)
- Communications Award – 1st Place Tie
- Membership Award – 2nd Place
- Young Professional Activity Award – 2nd Place
- Section-Student Branch Partnership Award – 1st Place Tie
Other AIAA Very Large Sections
Dayton-Cincinnati
Greater Huntsville
Hampton Roads
Los Angeles
Mid-Atlantic
National Capital
New England
Pacific Northwest
Rocky Mountain
San Francisco
Welcome to our newest North Texas Student Branch:
Midland College
AIAA is pleased to announce the acceptance of Midland College as a new student branch in the North Texas Section, located in Midland, TX.
Midland College features Aviation Mechanic Certification & Aviation Maintenance Technology as full-time students can complete both the Airframe and Powerplant certificates in just 18 months. And of course, Midland College provides a good base education for students planning to enter engineering or computer science majors. Midland AIAA has several events planned for the fall, featured below.
Fly Into Fall
Saturday, 29 August 2026
Midland Airpark
9am - 2pm
901 Veterans Airpark Ln.
Fly into Fall is a FREE educational and interactive aviation experience for all ages hosted by the City of Midland Airports Department. AIAA Midland Student Branch will be on display with support from AIAA North Texas Advisory Board Member/SETP Associate Fellow Jim Acree and will feature an Astronaut Speaker for Q&A on being an Astronaut at 10:30am and 12pm.
Francis Gary Powers Jr.
Lockheed Martin & UTA Presentations & Book Signings
Francis Gary Powers, Jr. (above 3rd from left) visited North Texas on 29 July to provide presentations about his father’s legacy as the U-2 pilot shot down and captured while flying over the Soviet Union on 1 May 1960. Gary signed copies of his latest book about his father, Spy Pilot.
Gary presented at Lockheed Martin (above) during the day hosted by LM VP/AIAA Fellow JD McFarlan and LM VP/AIAA Associate Fellow Linda O’Brien and coordinated by LM engineer/AIAA member Daniel Castro, followed by an F-35 production line tour (below). Photos courtesy of Chris Hanoch, Lockheed Martin.
Gary then presented at UTA (below) in the evening, discussing the 2015 Steven Spielberg movie about his father’s U-2 event, Bridge of Spies, starring Tom Hanks.
Additional Photos Available from Moon Day STEM Event
More Moon Day photos taken by the museum from 18 July have been posted by the Frontiers of Flight Museum at:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/woauvuq1phql9hs93mw5y/AIcgaFNFZIDkUpfnXyEbOX4?rlkey=hm1vu7zrxra91fj8l7c91ehcu&st=fzxbiwty&dl=0
Photos of our members in action from this and all our events are always available at our AIAA North Texas Engage website.
Thanks again to all our volunteers from AIAA and SETP.
Calendar
FALL 2026 Programs
Stormy Boudreaux
Piloting the SR-71 and U-2 (one of only 12 men to fly both operationally)
Alcock & Brown by Paul Park
Before Lindbergh in 1927, they completed the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic in 1919.