Middle Tennessee State University - Midlander Yearbook (Murfreesboro, TN)

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Aerospace: Looking Up For The Future If God had meant for men to fly, he would have given them wings, the old adage goes. Still, men and women have sought the magic and freedom of flight time and time again. But, what exactly is the mystique? What was it that caused the first primitive human beings to observe the simple bird with jealous awe? The Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, Charles Linbergh — why were they all continually obsessed with soaring the skyways? Why is this obses- sion harbored in thousands — even mil- lions — of people today? Flying, says Dr. Wally Maples, turns people on — male or female. As Chairman of MTSU ' s aerospace de- partment, he should know. Maples also counts himself among the victims of flying fever. The first time I saw an airplane, he says, I was about five years old. It was love at first sight! As he seats himself behind his desk. Maples points to a plaque propped up on a nearby couch. Looking closely, you can see that it is a small American flag with a certificate, framed and glass fronted. It is the flag that went 172 miles into space with Young and Crippen aboard the Co- lumbia on April 12, 1981. It is impressive. We ' re pretty closely involved with NASA, says Maples, grinning with obvi- ous pride. Indeed. The department is involved with NASA, mostly through the School of Education. The department has com- bined forces with the agency to create a series of annual seminars for which col- lege credit is available. They picked us out of about six insti- tutions, he continues. We ' ve worked with them through five launches. Earl Keese and Lamon Marcum have been there for some of them, and I was there for all five. That ' s not all the MTSU aerospace de- partment has going for it. Aerospace ma- jors can choose from four separate em- phases: aerospace administration, main- tenance management, professional pilot, and aerospace technology. The professional pilot emphasis would seem to be the most attractive to stu- dents, and Maples nods with a laugh, Most of the people who get involved in this major just want to spend the rest of their lives flying. But, who can blame them? A pilot ' s job is exciting and frequently romanticized. And, on the practical side, the job is pres- tigious and pays extremely well. Actually, Maples confides, students stand a better chance of finding jobs not involved in flying. Flying takes so much skill. The field is very crowded. But, he adds, if a student really wants a career as a professional pilot and is willing to work hard, he can achieve that goal. (left) Chairman of the aerospace department, Dr. Wally Maples. The first time he saw an airplane It was love at first sight. (opposite, left) The Space Shuttle Columbia begins the launch process that will propel it and its crew into space. (opposite, right) The plaque presented to the aero- space department by NASA. The small American flag went into space with astronauts Young and Crippen aboard the Columbia in 1981. Melissa Givens 28