From Earth to space: Some common applications of jet propulsion systems

The jet engine is one of the most celebrated outputs of modern science and technology. It has allowed mankind to perform many feats previously thought impossible, from creating a sonic boom to reaching beyond the firmament into outer space. Over the years, other applications have been developed for the jet engine, some of which are presented below:

Rockets
They may range from the rockets used for space exploration to the ones that explode. Jet engines are used to provide rockets with tremendous speeds that make for escaping the pull of gravity or chasing their targets.

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UAVs
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are remote-controlled drones equipped with sensors and cameras. They are used for remote surveillance of areas much too hostile for human troops. Some of them are powered by propellers, but others, particularly those that emphasize speed, are jet-powered.

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Cars
Rocket cars are powered by jet engines. In coms cases, vehicles used for drag racing are modified to incorporate jet engines that boost their max speed. Hybrid cars that run on jet engines have also been under development for some years now.

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Boat
While it may be argued that jetboats use almost the same principles as jet engines, real jet-powered boats exist mostly for racing purposes.

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Motorcycle
For some enthusiasts, the only thing that would make their two-wheel ride cooler is a jet engine. Indeed, some motorcycles are being modified by their owners to become what are known as jetbikes.

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Dryers
Because of the immense air and heat blown out by jet engines, they have become ideal machines for removing unwanted snow and drying wet surfaces. They are popular in Russia, where they are used to clear away unwanted snow from roads and airports.

Decades since the invention of the jet engine and it has been used for purposes beyond the inventors’ original goal. With sufficient demand and creativity, there is little doubt that new ways of using the technology will come out soon.

Eric Visselli has been a part of Auxiliary Power Systems, an affiliate of aeronautics giant Hamilton Sundstrand. Visit this Twitter page for links to aeronautics-related news and information.

Good accounting reflects good leadership

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A study from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business reveals that how accounting is employed reflects the kind of leadership executed in organizations. Specifically, firms that are not inclined to revising publicly released financial statements have well-governed accounting strategies, reflecting their good governance.

After comparing the management practices of 127 Canadian companies that announced financial restatements to an equal number of firms that did not submit restatements over a nine-year period, the researchers have found out that those companies that revised financial statements had less independent mistake and hired fewer prominent auditors. Furthermore, the companies that have undergone financial restatements are also more likely to change corporate leadership.


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This trend has brought researchers to a conclusion that accounting errors and financial restatements reflect organizational problems. “When these firms make changes to pre-restatement management and external auditors, that signals that they are dealing with their internal agency problems. They are trying to mimic the governance practices of nonrestating firms in what’s likely an attempt to improve their public image,” says the study’s co-author, Lawrence Kryzanowski.

Researchers believe that the result of the study is useful for investors and stakeholders. It was recently published in the Journal of Corporate Finance.


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As the Chief Financial Officer of United Technologies Corporation-Hamilton Sundstrand Division, Eric Visselli manages the company’s finances and leads a team of finance professionals. Follow this Twitter page to get relevant information on financial leadership.

When American airlines profit 21 cents per passenger

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Although the aviation industry appears to be strong, profit figures and the paper trail of financial statements show that its components have not been as consistent as they might appear. In fact, in the past few decades, many of the airlines have turned out a loss at the year-end review. This was due to a number of factors, including starting off with a niche market or competing against much cheaper travel alternatives like ships, trains, and other road vehicles.



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With the rise of the average American’s purchasing power– and interest in seeing other parts of the country and the world– the airline industry’s profitability seems to have stabilized. In the last decade, an increasing number have reported end-of-year profits and record revenue. Just last year, the year-end financial statements of 10 airlines reported full-year results, garnering a combined profit of $152 million. However, a closer look at the figures and a quick calculation of the number of seats sold in 2012 reveal some rather disconcerting information: the profit from revenue of these 10 airlines falls around 0.1 percent, which means for each passenger they carried, America’s top-grossing airlines made an appalling 21 cents.



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Surprisingly, that was not the worst profit record for the industry. Although airlines are still in their infancy in terms of the profit they generate, they have been present and in-demand for decades, and– with travel becoming increasingly necessary for work and everyday commute– are clearly not about to become obsolete.


What airlines profit reflects down the supply chain, as Hamilton Sundstrand’s CFO, Eric Visselli, might know. Read more about his insights on the airline industry on this website.

Making compromises work in the business setting

In the corporate world, many professionals see an unbending will as a sign of strength and commitment to a purpose. Given this, managers who compromise to solve business issues are predisposed toward the receiving end of negative views. People are likely to think that managers who strive to keep both sides happy suffer from a lack of conviction.

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John Baldoni, the president of the coaching and leadership firm Baldoni Consulting, maintains that the opposite is actually true.

The ability to compromise is inherent in leaders with a strong conviction to give priority to the organization. Apart from this, it is also important for business leaders to be able to see the merits of the arguments offered by the other party. It is sometimes difficult to see the good in opinions that differ from one’s own and this is where giving priority to the interests of the organization helps.

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While it sounds easier to do in theory than in practice, there are ways for managers to make the process smoother. A manager should ask others-- for their views to better understand the issue on hand. They see the bigger picture and their actions communicate a willingness to listen, which helps establish trust.

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The most important thing to have in a situation that requires compromise is respect. Maintaining respect throughout the discussions allows professionals to argue for their views without taking things personally. Compromise may not immediately be possible but, through a protracted approach, it can eventually be achieved.

Eric Visselli is the chief financial officer of Hamilton Sundstrand. Find more insights on good business practices on this: online journal.

Inside the Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Boeing’s newest, the 787 Dreamliner, was the most anticipated new airplane of 2012. It is perceived to be the world’s most fuel-efficient airplane, being the first major airliner to use lightweight carbon fiber composite materials for most of its construction. The long-haul carrier can seat anywhere from 210 to 290 passengers in its mid-sized wide body but consumes 20 percent less fuel than the similarly-sized aircraft, like the Boeing 767.

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The Boeing 787 Dreamliner made headlines as one of the few airplanes that were developed with the passenger’s comfort and flight experience on top priority. In addition to its unparalleled fuel efficiency, the 787 is built with cutting-edge technology and top-of-the-line comfort. A decade in the making, the 787 Dreamliner can measure turbulence and automatically adjust to counter-balance the movement, therefore avoiding the extreme vertical lifts and dips that cause motion sickness among passengers. Unlike other Apple-biased planes, the Boeing 787’s in-flight entertainment system caters to a wider range of electronic devices– and can host several at the same time to ensure passenger amusement during long-haul flights. Passengers who like the view not only can enjoy larger windows, but also can easily dim the tint with the touch of a button.

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Pilots rejoice over the aircraft’s state-of-the-art flight deck: featuring clear screens for overhead displays so pilots can simultaneously read data while looking through the screen and out the window. New electronic “flight bags” eliminate bulky paper manuals, charts, and other data which have been lost or damaged on other airlines in the past.

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Hamilton Sundstrand was the largest system supplier to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner production. This website discusses the role CFO Eric Visselli has played in the production of other aircraft.