Interview to Francisco Escartí

To start with I have for you an interview with one of the most famous Spanish Aerospace engineers in the world, Francisco Escartí, a referent for those who, like me, are studying this degree. He had been working hard through all his life until he achieved a very important job in one of the best aviation factories in the world, Boeing. Nowadays, he is focused on writing and travelling as he will tell us, actually he has been recently in our university helding a conference. Let’s figure out what he has for us. It will worth reading it for sure because of his experience and knowledge. Hope you enjoy!

Q- What was your path until you reach such an important job in of the most famous aerospace companies in the world (Boeing)?

A- Working hard. Loving what you do. This is what matters. Each day you feel happy with your work and this is the only reward you're looking for.

Q- What is your duty nowadays?

A- Since the last year I spend my time writing, travelling and reading. That's what I do.

Q- Do you feel very important to have a communication education in order to work? Is it necessary for you to know how to make presentations and talk in public or your job is just technical?

A- Yes, it is very important, to develop skills to be able to communicate what your thoughts, wills and achievements are.

Q- What do you want to transmit with your book?

A- On “El secreto de los pájaros”, I've tried to describe the invention process of the first heavier than air flying machine. It was a process that took many years and the man had to learn how the birds fly, among many other things. The individuals who contributed to the invention and their lives captured my interest and I`ve tried to incorporate as much information as I have been able to gather on them. The book has been a huge effort, with more than 1000 pages of text, but I feel happy with the end result and it is a piece o work that I believe it will remain as the most comprehensive book addressing the invention of flight.

On my last book “De Los Ángeles al cielo”, I just describe the life of a unique and interesting aircraft (DC-1) who was built by Douglas, under the request of TWA, to compete with the Boeing 247. The aircraft was owned by Howard Hughes who planned to travel around the world with it, and ended up in Europe and in Spain during the Spanish Civil war. It helped to abandon the country to the Spanish Republican government at the end of the war. Later it came back to Spain to suffer an accident in Málaga, which ended its operational life. According to a US legend its structure was used to support the image of the “Virgen de la Esperanza” during the "procesiones de Semana Santa" in Málaga. I did my own investigations on this subject, which are part of the book. It is a book about the life of a unique aircraft and the people that changed the world of air transportation in a short period of time.

Q- What do you believe will be the future in aeronautics?

A- We are moving from a century driven by technology to a century where regulations will take the lead. Before it was a matter of flying farther and faster, today is a question of flying more efficiently and in an environmentally progressive manner (less emissions, less fuel consumption...) New materials to reduce weight, the use of fuel cells and electricity on board, electrical management systems, biofuels, and new aircraft concepts based on efficiency will drive the industry.

Q- Finally I would like to ask you for some advice for those who, like me, are starting an engineering degree.

A- Pay attention to those elements that will play a more important role in the future. Don't miss the big picture, but try to come deeper into some specific areas, look for a high degree of specialization. Take the lead on the subjects you are interested on and position yourself among the leading team. You must find your way out. Don't be afraid of making mistakes. Don't be stupid not to change when you make a mistake.