Author Spotlight: Zarir D. Pastakia
 

Posted: August 19, 2024

The best way to find an audience? Give them the information that they need the most.

That’s the approach that Zarir D. Pastakia, Boeing’s Director of Derivative Improvements and Advanced Concepts for Commercial Airplanes, took when he came to SAE with his idea for a book.

With Jet Sense: The Philosophy and the Art of Jet Transport Design, Pastakia masterfully combines market analysis with product functionality to provide a user-rich guide to commercial aircraft design.

Pastakia described the book as a “one stop shop” that serves as a culmination of his industry experience, starting with his joining Boeing in 1996 at the beginning of his career.

When he first arrived on the professional scene, it was a noted difference from his expectations as a student.

“One of the first things that struck me was how differently the industry problem-solved versus how we were taught in school. I was fortunate enough to work for Fairchild Dornier in Germany and Airbus in England, and I really wanted to bring all those perspectives into something that was going to be useful to everyone,” Pastakia said.

It was clear to Pastakia from his early career experience that resources needed to go beyond what was typically available in the classroom. He wrote Jet Sense with accessibility in mind.  

“I didn't want to write a textbook. I wanted to tell a story. I started with the right technical terminology, then began building the book out from there. I also made sure to include a variety of visuals to help communicate the written material. A picture’s worth a thousand words after all,” Pastakia said.

“I like the idea of using different means of communication, even on-technical books. I think it makes things more interesting. If you can enjoy yourself while you read, your brain remembers more of it,” he added.

Over the course of his more than 25 years in aerospace, Pastakia’s seen a lot. He’s been an integral part of large projects during his time at Boeing, including serving as chief engineer responsible for the development of the 777-8 Freighter and bringing it to market.

Throughout this time, he’s continued his own learning and found resources that spoke to him that he pulled into his writing process. He drew inspiration from over 40 different aircraft design books, including Darrol Stinton’s Anatomy of the Aeroplane. Pastakia admired how each author managed to add something new to the ongoing conversation of aircraft design, encouraging him to do the same as he infused his personal experience with his writing.

“When writing on an in-depth topic, you must be yourself. Find out what has yet to be said about the topic, then present it in a simplistic way that is truly your own,” Pastakia said.

Get to know Pastakia and the ins-and-outs of aircraft design in Jet Sense: The Philosophy and the Art of Jet Transport Design.