Nick Lappos headhunted by Bell
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: New South Wales
Top Man for a Top Job
Nick,
I have been worried about Bell's direction for some time but now you'll be a the helm of R&D, I think we may see a new era in the Bell camp. Those from within Bell who criticised the move didn't know you well methinks. I hope they let you do your job and listen to you.
Your advice on aerodynamic matters has been invaluable...I love Sikorsky products and now I hope to feel the same about Bell soon!
Good luck mate...and we'll catch up for another beer soon!!!
Og
I have been worried about Bell's direction for some time but now you'll be a the helm of R&D, I think we may see a new era in the Bell camp. Those from within Bell who criticised the move didn't know you well methinks. I hope they let you do your job and listen to you.
Your advice on aerodynamic matters has been invaluable...I love Sikorsky products and now I hope to feel the same about Bell soon!
Good luck mate...and we'll catch up for another beer soon!!!
Og
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From: Toledo, OH
I personally don't believe Nick's time at Gulfstream was wasted. Gulfstream's design philosophy has always been evolutionary rather than revolutionary. And their products reflect that. Also their customer support is second to none. Something that companies in this portion of the industry need to seriously reflect upon. Plus they have been at the forefront of safety technology that is quite transferable into this part of the industry.
Nick, Welcome back from the dark side.
Nick, Welcome back from the dark side.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: US
Should Vertiflight get busted....he can always apply for the coming Chief Pilot job at Wackenhut/Aiken, SC. He would be a form fit for that job it appears!
Nick:
Best of luck. I really hope you are able to help steer Bell back on course. Eurocopter seems to be eating its lunch lately.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
OMG!
Since you have left our humble abode, a part of me was waiting for you to get back to the real deal! Congratulations Nick! I have always enjoyed working with you and for you. You are truly an expert at getting the most out of the people around you and i am positive you have that same effect at Bell.....now how far is it to the factory and what kind of opening do you have....
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Down Under
Congrats.
Maybe first job is to fix the 206 TT straps problem or at least tell us as an insider, why the problem can't be fixed? Around 30 years now and still Bell is unable to extend life by say, 10% or 50%. Metallurgy can't be that difficult, surely?
BF
Maybe first job is to fix the 206 TT straps problem or at least tell us as an insider, why the problem can't be fixed? Around 30 years now and still Bell is unable to extend life by say, 10% or 50%. Metallurgy can't be that difficult, surely?
BF
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 803
Likes: 52
From: Pensacola, Florida
Maybe first job is to fix the 206 TT straps problem or at least tell us as an insider, why the problem can't be fixed? Around 30 years now and still Bell is unable to extend life by say, 10% or 50%. Metallurgy can't be that difficult, surely?
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 1
From: the cockpit
What a coup for Bell. Congratulations Bell!
We have seen the rabbit out of the hat trick, but lets hope this appointment ensures Bell can get over the success of the 205/206 and finally pull a cutting edge product leader out of it's arse! The world really does need Bell to be competitive again.
Bon Voyage Nick - and congratulations in your successful return from the dark side (fixed wings).
We have seen the rabbit out of the hat trick, but lets hope this appointment ensures Bell can get over the success of the 205/206 and finally pull a cutting edge product leader out of it's arse! The world really does need Bell to be competitive again.
Bon Voyage Nick - and congratulations in your successful return from the dark side (fixed wings).
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,957
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Haa
I think I have finally worked out the Bell strategy, simple and very clever. Nothing to do with being a design freak, just a charmer.
Your first job seniore Lappos, is to stretch a huey a bit more, paint it pink and fit it with a bidet. All done ready to conicide with your next presidential elections.
Oh, and you'll have to remove that cosy little pic of Nicole, that you blabbed about once, from your screen saver and put in something of Hilary.
I think your clever cheeky check chick driver lives just back up the page a bit.
tet
I think I have finally worked out the Bell strategy, simple and very clever. Nothing to do with being a design freak, just a charmer.
Your first job seniore Lappos, is to stretch a huey a bit more, paint it pink and fit it with a bidet. All done ready to conicide with your next presidential elections.
Oh, and you'll have to remove that cosy little pic of Nicole, that you blabbed about once, from your screen saver and put in something of Hilary.
I think your clever cheeky check chick driver lives just back up the page a bit.
tet
Joined: May 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 18,633
Likes: 1,072
From: Downeast
As Nick will probably take up wearing "pointy toes" in an attempt to fit in with the boys out there in Tex-ass.....we best keep an eye out for his next recruitment by Caverton Management/Lagos.
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Lost in thought
From Fort Worth Star Telegram Thursday:
So Nick gets the R&D and research side, but the basic "program" engineering(existing programs like 429, V22, H1 and ARH) goes to Lowinger. Anyone in Boeing Philly know much about this Lowinger guy?
Also my wife wouldn't forgive me for not pointing out...they take a Senior VP position filled by a woman, split the job in half and fill it with two Executive VP positions filled by men.
... In any event, For those in the know, Elaine Vaught did a hell of a good job fighting the Bell culture that many folks have griped about in this Forum. Some efforts being more successful than others. Hopefully these guys can continue to improve upon the good that's been started. We wish her luck in Textron.
Nick Lappos, formerly a marketing executive and test pilot with archrival Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., will run Bell's XworkX research and development operation in Arlington. The memo also announced the hiring of Jeff Lowinger, an engineering executive from Boeing Co.'s helicopter division who will take over as head of Bell's engineering department.
Adding the two engineering executives, Millman said in the message e-mailed to employees, "will help us change the game, pleasantly surprise our customers, and confound the competition."
Both Lowinger and Lappos will report directly to Millman.
They will fill roles formerly held by Elaine Vaught, a longtime Bell engineer who is taking a senior engineering position with parent company Textron Inc.
Adding the two engineering executives, Millman said in the message e-mailed to employees, "will help us change the game, pleasantly surprise our customers, and confound the competition."
Both Lowinger and Lappos will report directly to Millman.
They will fill roles formerly held by Elaine Vaught, a longtime Bell engineer who is taking a senior engineering position with parent company Textron Inc.
Also my wife wouldn't forgive me for not pointing out...they take a Senior VP position filled by a woman, split the job in half and fill it with two Executive VP positions filled by men.
... In any event, For those in the know, Elaine Vaught did a hell of a good job fighting the Bell culture that many folks have griped about in this Forum. Some efforts being more successful than others. Hopefully these guys can continue to improve upon the good that's been started. We wish her luck in Textron.
Last edited by Avnx EO; 23rd March 2008 at 19:03.
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,957
Likes: 0
From: Australia
hmmm
as I quickly wind my seat down to get eyelevel below the dash, I say --- perhaps this jess goes to show that the old adage about the multi tasking skills of those of the feminine gender, --- is jessst another urban myth.
Also my wife wouldn't forgive me for not pointing out...they take a Senior VP position filled by a woman, split the job in half and fill it with two Executive VP positions filled by men.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Congrats Nick
I must say it is good to see you are now back in the rotorhead business. Bell has had its issues with development and products in the recent past so I will be very happy to see any changes that you can bring to the company.
Take care, strap in and enjoy the ride my friend.
Take care, strap in and enjoy the ride my friend.
