Time flies!

[mowens]

On this day in 1979, I first hired in to Boeing as a tool maker. In 1986 I moved to nc programming. In 1998 I left to go work as a contractor in Montreal. I worked at various places, both direct and contract, until I came back to Spirit in 2009; now we are about to become Boeing again.

After seeing our dad work at Boeing and Cessna, and driving a truck during periods of layoff, my brother and I proclaimed throughout our childhoods that we would never work in aircraft.

Unfortunately, aircraft was the best way to support a family for working class kids like us. He is 3 years older than me and we're both still at it.

[Brian]

After seeing our dad work at Boeing and Cessna, and driving a truck during periods of layoff, my brother and I proclaimed throughout our childhoods that we would never work in aircraft.

I hope you don't have any regrets despite this! Has the work been mostly interesting or fulfilling, even with the ups and downs?

Cheers, Brian

[Smit]

It's about time to start thinking of retirement isn't it? 

[mowens]

I've been thinking about retirement for 20 years. Circumstances are such that I plan to work another year or two.

Brian, my biggest regret is that I didn't finish my degree. Growing up, I wanted to be a recording engineer, first. After I'd worked a few years I went back to school for computer science. I wish I'd finished that. I went long enough to get enough math to get into a training program that Boeing offered in 1986. This was in the era of APT 360 and APT 370. Understanding vector calculations and matrix computation were important. Blue prints and mylars. The major aerodynamic surfaces were mathematic formulas that were called Master Dimension Surfaces and Master Dimension Definition. We would access those in our APT programs.

[Newbeeee™]

I don't care what you say Mike, I still hate flying

Seriously though, do not regret working longer than you want/have to.
And because of the uniqueness of your job, would they let you consult or be a 3-day a weeker?

[YoDoug]

In 79 I was in first grade!

[mowens]

I don't care what you say Mike, I still hate flying

Seriously though, do not regret working longer than you want/have to.
And because of the uniqueness of your job, would they let you consult or be a 3-day a weeker?

They probably would. They have done it for people in the past.

YoDoug; With all due respect, bite me. 

[RetiredRoger]

In 1979 I got married and we are still together!!  

[CNCAppsJames]

I think I was in third grade in 1979.