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The article offers the author's insights regarding the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA). Topics discussed include author's friendship with AIAA staff Klaus Dannenberg, the 2014 AIAA Awards, and his resignation as AIAA president and Jim Albaugh will succeed him. Also mentioned leaders including George Mueller, Benny Schriever, and Bob Gilrut.

In this article, the author discusses decline in the membership of the journal and also discusses initiatives to reverse the declining membership trend. He suggests involving younger aerospace professionals in the launch of the journal. He also suggests reaching local middle school or high school and offering a presentation regarding aerospace. He further suggests helping a young professional to get travel funds to attend a conference on aerospace.

The article examines the condition of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the overall aerospace industry. According to the author, the aerospace profession is aging as most of its practitioners reach 50 years old or older, with the AIAA having more members aged at least 60. He states that the core of the profession lies in big systems and platforms, with the institute failing to evolve along with the profession. He calls for expanded focus on systems engineering.

The author believes that one's inability to explain in simple terms what one does and why it matters causes the gap between one's dreams, one's vision of what could be, and today's reality. He cites the move of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics to conduct focus groups at two of its conferences in the fall of 2012. The aim of the exercises was to answer questions about the existence of the AIAA and its beliefs.

The author presents update on the activities of the different sections of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). AIAA sections, including Cape Canaveral, Wisconsin, Saint Louis, Phoenix, and Sydney, New South Wales, participated in education outreach efforts. Other sections engaged in sharing of technical information and discussions of technology in the industry.

The author reflects on lessons from the landing of the Curiosity rover in planet Mars. He mentions the need for constancy of purpose for aerospace projects, citing that the Mars Science Laboratory program took a decade to achieve its purpose. He says that Curiosity showed the importance of a flagship mission more than smaller and cheaper missions for the reputation of the U.S. He highlights what it meant to be an ethical professional when the decision to delay the 2009 launch was made.

The author reflects on the contribution of the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) to the advances in aeronautical and space science. He presents his appreciation towards the remarkable accomplishments of its researchers, scientists and engineers in with their commitment to excellence. Furthermore, he remarks on the best things of being an administrator in the agency which is hearing, along with his conviction.