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Air and Space Day
November 10, 2025
Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering's Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrium
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Air and Space Day highlights the vital role that air and space technologies play in national defense and security, celebrating Purdue’s leadership in shaping the future of these industries and showcasing its legacy of innovation and influence in aerospace.
10:00 AM | Space Policy Panel
Due to the government shutdown, the Space Policy Panel has been cancelled.
Noon | Commemorative Air Force Flyover
The Indiana Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will be performing a flyover of Purdue's campus with their PT-26 Fairchild and BT-13 Valiant aircraft.
The CAF will be at the Purdue University Airport from offering warbird rides in the PT-26 and BT-13 from 9:30-11:30 and 1:30-4:00. Rides can be scheduled online here, and walk-ups can also be accommodated. Flights can be logged as dual instruction, even with no flight experience.
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Rates: PT-26: $225 for 30 minutes. BT-13: $325 for 30 minutes​
Don't miss this chance to fly a real World War II aircraft!
2:00 PM | Armstrong Atrium | Guest Lectures
2:00 pm: Dr. Joel Mozer, United States Space Force Chief Scientist (Emeritus)
3:00 pm: Lt. Col. Brandon "Cain'n" Abel (Ret.), a former USAF Experimental Test Pilot and current United Airlines Flight Test Pilot.
Guest Speaker
Dr. Joel B. Mozer
Dr. Mozer was the United States Space Force Director of Science, Technology, and Research at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. He served as the central lead for all science and technology matters for the organization which comprises approximately 11,000 space professionals worldwide and manages a global network of satellite command and control, communications, missile warning and launch facilities. In this role, he developed long-term military requirements for the Space Force and interacts with other principals, operational commanders, combatant commands, acquisition, and international communities to address cross-organizational science and technical issues and solutions. Dr. Mozer represented U.S. Space Force science and technology on decisions, high-level planning, and policy, building coalitions and alliances throughout the U.S. government, industry, academia, the international community, and other scientific and technology organizations.
Guest Speaker
Lt. Col. (Ret) Brandon "Cain’n" Abel, PhD
Brandon “Cain’n” Abel is an experienced Experimental Test Pilot and current Flight Test Captain for United Airlines. While serving in the United States Air Force, he directed the Joint Center for Electromagnetic Readiness for United States Strategic Command and commanded a Flight Test Squadron, conducting high priority flight test programs overseeing $2.5B in unique national assets. Starting his career as an AAE graduate of Purdue University, Brandon became an F-15C instructor pilot, supporting Operation Noble Eagle. His distinguished service includes over 500 combat hours as an evaluator pilot in the E-11A for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, lead F-16 experimental test pilot for the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System, and Director of Operations for the United States Air Force Test Pilot School. He has accumulated over 4,800 flight hours in over 110 different aircraft.