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Hear Tom Carr's Journey as a Test Pilot
On January 15, 2026, Tom Carr, a name synonymous with flight testing innovation, is set to take center stage at the EAA Aviation Museum Speaker Series. He will share his invaluable experiences as a test pilot for the Beechcraft Starship, an aircraft that sparked curiosity and conversation long before it graced the skies.
The Birth of a Groundbreaking Aircraft
The Beechcraft Starship, conceived back in 1979, marked a significant leap in aviation technology as Beech's first all-composite aircraft. Designed in collaboration with Burt Rutan’s Scaled Composites, the Starship featured cutting-edge innovations like canard wings and pusher turboprop engines. It looked to dominate the general aviation market, yet, sadly, only 53 units were delivered by 1995, as commercial interest waned.
Tom Carr: A Multifaceted Expert
Tom Carr began his journey in aviation after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Kansas. He started at Beechcraft as a control system engineer, later transitioning into flight testing. With years of experience under his belt and admirable insights gained through struggles, Tom became the director of flight operations and chief test pilot at Garmin.
Innovative Features of the Starship
In his presentation, Carr will delve deep into what made the Starship unique. Notably, it was among the pioneers in using an all-glass cockpit in general aviation, setting a standard that the industry would eventually follow. “It was a new world,” recalls Carr, as he remembers how they tested systems like the innovative TKS ice protection system in real-world conditions, which provided significant learning opportunities in the process.
A View into the Flight Test Program
Participants of the lecture can expect not just technical insights but engaging stories of surprises and adaptations faced during the flight test program. Carr's stories will reveal the lessons learned around canard design, the nuances of composite materials in aviation, and the broader implications for pilot safety and aircraft performance.
Why Attend?
This event is particularly valuable for young aviation enthusiasts and adults alike who are considering the vast landscape of flight technology and aviation careers. For EAA members and youths, attendance is free, while non-member participation comes at a nominal fee of $5.
The Legacy of the Starship
The Beechcraft Starship, despite its struggles to become commercially viable, left an indelible mark on the industry. It broke from tradition and introduced new concepts that would later influence aircraft design and functionality. Tom Carr’s extensive background provides the perfect lens through which to explore those innovations and understand the complexities that come with developing cutting-edge aviation technology.
Join the Conversation!
Don’t miss out on this chance to hear from a pioneer in the field of aviation. Whether you attend in person or retrieve the recorded session later as an EAA member, Carr’s insights and stories about the Beechcraft Starship’s flight test program will undoubtedly inspire your passion for aviation.
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