747 Biography
Mike Konicke
Mike Konicke serves as the flight deck chief engineer for the 787 program. He leads a team of more than 100 engineers and specialists in defining and integrating all parts of the airplane related to the pilot's work experience during a flight. This ranges from the very technical layout of instrumentation and equipment to the aesthetic appeal--one of the aspects of the 787 Dreamliner receiving praise and approval from airlines around the world.
During his 21-year career at Boeing, Konicke has worked on a number of flight deck designs. On the 747 program, he designed the primary flight display.
"My absolute favorite moment of my Boeing career was on the 747-400 program," said Konicke. "The exact moment was the 15 seconds from just before Capt. Jamie Loesch rotated the airplane on first flight to the point the airplane was airborne. I knew exactly what Jamie was looking at for those 15 seconds -- the primary flight display that I had designed."
Looking toward the future, Konicke is eagerly anticipating delivery of the first 787 to launch customer ANA. "That truly will mean that the job has been completed," he said. "There will be many interim events to look forward to, but ultimate delivery is what I am looking forward to."
Konicke calls his career at Boeing "rewarding," noting that the variety of assignments available to those working for the company keep the job fun.
"I was initially surprised how much the people of Boeing sincerely cared about you as a person and your family," he said. "I continue to be very proud that such a big company has such local and personal compassion."