Brad Belcher (BSAAE '82)

Alumnus Brad Belcher was one of 29 individuals selected as Fellow by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) in its 2019 class.

AIAA confers the distinction of Fellow upon individuals in recognition of their notable and valuable contributions to the arts, sciences or technology of aeronautics and astronautics. Belcher has been with Rolls-Royce Corporation since 1982, the year he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Purdue’s School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He currently serves as program director for the U.S. Civil R&T Funded Programs where he manages NASA and FAA research activities for Rolls-Royce.

"It is a tremendous honor and very humbling," Belcher says. "I am deeply grateful for the education I got at Purdue's School of Aeronautics and Astronautics and my involvement with AIAA that helped me so much in my career."

Belcher’s induction as Fellow comes in his 40th anniversary with AIAA. He initially joined as an AAE student in 1979, even serving as a VP for the student branch while at Purdue.

Belcher served as general chair for the annual Joint Propulsion Conference — now called the Propulsion & Energy Conference — when it was held in Indianapolis for the first time 25 years ago. The conference again will be hosted and sponsored in Indianapolis in 2019.

Belcher will be inducted at the AIAA Aerospace Spotlight Awards Gala May 15 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

“The 50th anniversary of the lunar landing is a fitting backdrop for this year’s class of Honorary Fellows and Fellows,” AIAA President John Langford said in a release. “While we always celebrate what—and who—came before us, as aerospace professionals we are always looking ahead to the next challenge. Because of the dedication, leadership and vision of these new inductees, the aerospace industry is moving forward by leaps and bounds. AIAA offers our sincere admiration for their hard work and congratulates the members of the 2019 Class on their achievements.” 

With nearly 30,000 individual members from 85 countries and 95 corporate members, AIAA is the world’s largest aerospace technical society.