The Academia da Força Aérea (AFA, Air Force Academy) of the Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB, Brazilian Air Force) is located at Pirassununga Air Base in São Paulo state, just under 200 km north of São Paulo.

Most pilots who have become famous over the years have been fighter pilots, test pilots or aviation pioneers. David Lord was different, in that he flew C-47 Dakota transport aircraft.

When thinking about interceptors, Britain’s English Electric Lightning, the Soviet MiG-25 and American Century Series fighters immediately come to mind, but what about the early jet-powered interceptors? What about pioneering subsonic aircraft which, although ground-breaking at the time, are often forgotten?

This is the second of a series of articles which focus on managerial challenges in the aviation and aerospace industries. The following brief scenario / case study which is meant to illustrate the problems associated with succession planning, career development and a changing workforce.

During the early 1930s, Wittman designed and built highly successful air racers. As a racing pilot, Wittman competed against the likes of James Doolittle, winning many races and building a successful racing career.