Exactly right. I have been writing software since 1982 and in my experience most companies only want code monkeys. Any other nonsense about "ownership" is just a cynical control mechanism or some other group delusion. Seriously, start a company or find a startup going your way.
It took a few extra years. And you end up taking courses based on schedule rather than what interests you. Honestly, being that busy is not a good way to learn but it can be done.
Near the end, I had required classes which were not given in the evening (these were typically science classes w/lab sessions). By then I was working as a contractor and I would work summer and a semester, then quit working and attend classes for a semester. This allowed me to stay enrolled and not starve.
When I graduated I already had a great resume and zero debt.
I wish this effort well, but I don't think it answers any problems. I don't believe I would be tempted. Building an airplane is just too damn much work to not be certain of the results.
There are many excellent kits to choose from. Like anything else, you have to finish the project to reap the rewards. If your main goal is to fly (and not to build) then just buy a nice used airplane. I expect to have spent over $100K (plus labor) to complete my RV8. In the current depressed market, $100K will buy a very nice used single. Note that Van's only got about $30K for the kit, the balance of that money is mostly engine and avionics.
Experimental aircraft are not treated the same as certificated aircraft. It is true the FAA does not approve experimental aircraft designs but if your kit is on "the list" then your test flight requirements are reduced. An experimental aircraft is legal to fly anywhere a certificated aircraft can be, including class "A" (which implies a IFR clearance). An experimental aircraft must be inspected and approved prior to first flight/starting test flights.
What you cannot do w/a experimental is commercial operations such as flight training, air taxi, etc.
Whoever mentioned the EAA is spot on. Actual help depends on the chapter but there does seem to be an abundance of retired people who want to take over your project.
I develop for iOS and Android, and I am responding to your point about "twitter app directories".
I have produced only a single app which used twitter/facebook (I usually write enterprise apps), so I might have this wrong.
Twitter and Facebook both rely upon oauth, and both of these services provide libraries/jars for access. I think storing/caching a raw password is actually a ToS violation. I know my app doesn't store the password.
I can match your age and experience. I was recently told "wow, you sounded younger on the phone!" - which just proves nobody reads the resume. They didn't hire me either, but I'm fine w/that. If they are too stoopid to see what I'm bringing, then I don't need them either.
I switched to mobile phones three years ago, first the Apple platforms and later Android. I am very popular. You might consider it.
Raytheon has money to develop Android infrastructure, but I don't know if this is the same project.
I'm not sure what insight you want to share w/the Army, but they already have public affairs people who are just waiting to hear from you. Tell them "slashdot sent me".
Damn right. Where did airplanes go before there were airports?
I hear this sort of nonsense all the time, even from licensed pilots.
Flying was a lot more fun for me when it included the occasional back road landing and taxi to a burger stand. Now it drags out all the upright citizens to rally around anything just a little off the beaten path. Not about safety issues, all about control.
I lead a team of mobile devs for a largish organization.
Every time a press release like this surfaces (especially if picked up by Gartner) my email inbox swells by a large positive exponent.
My answer is always the same: they have something to sell - the press release is almost completely fact free. If you really care, call them up and get some specifics. I'll deal w/it then.
Some days I think the best way to make a buck in mobile is to issue a press release claiming a big exploit or some other hot button guaranteed to spook the suits.
The WSJ ran an entire series of articles about scary analytics and their evil quant masters. NPR "Fresh Air" then ran an hour long episode quoting the WSJ. The horror! I was shopping for shoes and then shoe adverts started popping up! Dammit, they know EVERYTHING!
Life scientists don't get the same calculus we get as engineers.
This summer I helped a MD discover that factorials yield largish integers. At first I thought he was mocking me but it turned out that he really was serious.
Turns out that MD's are ordinary mortals after all.
Slashdot Mirror
Exactly right. I have been writing software since 1982 and in my experience most companies only want code monkeys. Any other nonsense about "ownership" is just a cynical control mechanism or some other group delusion. Seriously, start a company or find a startup going your way.
It took a few extra years. And you end up taking courses based on schedule rather than what interests you. Honestly, being that busy is not a good way to learn but it can be done.
Near the end, I had required classes which were not given in the evening (these were typically science classes w/lab sessions). By then I was working as a contractor and I would work summer and a semester, then quit working and attend classes for a semester. This allowed me to stay enrolled and not starve.
When I graduated I already had a great resume and zero debt.
Do I win a prize?
You sir, are mighty. Bravo!
I wish this effort well, but I don't think it answers any problems. I don't believe I would be tempted. Building an airplane is just too damn much work to not be certain of the results.
There are many excellent kits to choose from. Like anything else, you have to finish the project to reap the rewards. If your main goal is to fly (and not to build) then just buy a nice used airplane. I expect to have spent over $100K (plus labor) to complete my RV8. In the current depressed market, $100K will buy a very nice used single. Note that Van's only got about $30K for the kit, the balance of that money is mostly engine and avionics.
Experimental aircraft are not treated the same as certificated aircraft. It is true the FAA does not approve experimental aircraft designs but if your kit is on "the list" then your test flight requirements are reduced. An experimental aircraft is legal to fly anywhere a certificated aircraft can be, including class "A" (which implies a IFR clearance). An experimental aircraft must be inspected and approved prior to first flight/starting test flights.
What you cannot do w/a experimental is commercial operations such as flight training, air taxi, etc.
Whoever mentioned the EAA is spot on. Actual help depends on the chapter but there does seem to be an abundance of retired people who want to take over your project.
If I had mod points, you could have them all.
I work at a SOMA startup where all the coders (except one) are over 40 years old.
We do great things. Without drama or ego. It is a wonderful place to work.
Rock on, Dragon Boy!
Solar energy has everything to do w/defense. More self sufficiency means less stuff to bring.
I develop for iOS and Android, and I am responding to your point about "twitter app directories".
I have produced only a single app which used twitter/facebook (I usually write enterprise apps), so I might have this wrong.
Twitter and Facebook both rely upon oauth, and both of these services provide libraries/jars for access. I think storing/caching a raw password is actually a ToS violation. I know my app doesn't store the password.
HTH
Nobody expects ring knockers to build anything larger than a RFP.
I can match your age and experience. I was recently told "wow, you sounded younger on the phone!" - which just proves nobody reads the resume. They didn't hire me either, but I'm fine w/that. If they are too stoopid to see what I'm bringing, then I don't need them either.
I switched to mobile phones three years ago, first the Apple platforms and later Android. I am very popular. You might consider it.
kludge@elvis:101>uname -a
Linux elvis.goaway.com 2.6.16-1.2069_FC4smp #1 SMP Tue Mar 28 12:47:32 EST 2006 i686 i686 i386 GNU/Linux
kludge@elvis:102>uptime
18:07:02 up 647 days, 21:56, 18 users, load average: 8.53, 7.78, 7.76
Raytheon has money to develop Android infrastructure, but I don't know if this is the same project.
I'm not sure what insight you want to share w/the Army, but they already have public affairs people who are just waiting to hear from you. Tell them "slashdot sent me".
+1 insightful
I dunno about being the worst article (stiff competition) but spot on about "people who want everything in one language"
I have been teaching Android development for over a year, and the biggest wankers are the ones who come to argue rather than learn.
Real engineers don't have a problem soaking up another platform.
Damn right. Where did airplanes go before there were airports?
I hear this sort of nonsense all the time, even from licensed pilots.
Flying was a lot more fun for me when it included the occasional back road landing and taxi to a burger stand. Now it drags out all the upright citizens to rally around anything just a little off the beaten path. Not about safety issues, all about control.
Many mobile payment vendors were (are) holding their breath for NFC on Apple devices.
There is already the Galaxy, RIM has promised NFC. Apple would really push this over the top.
I am really tired of carrying various cards for mass transit, etc. and I would love to consolidate these w/my phone.
I lead a team of mobile devs for a largish organization.
Every time a press release like this surfaces (especially if picked up by Gartner) my email inbox swells by a large positive exponent.
My answer is always the same: they have something to sell - the press release is almost completely fact free. If you really care, call them up and get some specifics. I'll deal w/it then.
Some days I think the best way to make a buck in mobile is to issue a press release claiming a big exploit or some other hot button guaranteed to spook the suits.
Looks like someone has a case of the Mondays
Mod up.
Scott Adams was spot on. I loved that cartoon when it was new and I love it now.
It isn't just Europe.
The WSJ ran an entire series of articles about scary analytics and their evil quant masters. NPR "Fresh Air" then ran an hour long episode quoting the WSJ. The horror! I was shopping for shoes and then shoe adverts started popping up! Dammit, they know EVERYTHING!
I'll add my 3 hashmarks to that.
Life scientists don't get the same calculus we get as engineers.
This summer I helped a MD discover that factorials yield largish integers. At first I thought he was mocking me but it turned out that he really was serious.
Turns out that MD's are ordinary mortals after all.
IMO, M68K was much easier than MACRO-11. But I would be happy with either one.