Duke Valentour
Commercial Pilot, Formerly Industrial and System Engineer
Duke Valentour is an Industrial Engineer and Systems Engineer employed at Ball Aerospace, a subsidiary of BAE Systems that operates under the name Space & Mission Systems in Boulder, Colorado. The company focuses on designing and delivering technology solutions for space missions, including those related to national security, intelligence, and civilian applications. Duke’s role centers on analyzing the engineering department’s workflows, specifically assessing cycle and process times involved in assembly and fabrication operations.
He leads projects to enhance processes within Research and Development, Production, and Depot Programs connected to Optical Systems. This involves conducting root cause analyses to identify process breakdowns and implementing solutions designed for long-term effectiveness. Duke maintains close communication with production technicians to ensure the success of these improvements.
Duke started with Ball Aerospace as an intern in 2020. His performance earned him a full-time position, and in 2024, after Ball Aerospace became part of BAE Systems, he was promoted to his current role, reflecting his growing responsibilities and contributions.
Jonathan Wayne Valentour’s Early Passion for Aviation
Jonathan Wayne Valentour’s interest in aviation began during his youth through visits to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. Duke, accompanied by his grandfather, Colonel Wayne Basset, explored the museum’s extensive collection of over 360 aircraft and missiles, recognized as the world’s largest military aviation museum. These experiences nurtured his enthusiasm for flying.
While interning at Ball Aerospace in 2021, Duke completed his private pilot check ride. He advanced his training by earning the instrument rating in 2023, which enables him to fly under instrument flight rules. In early 2024, Duke earned his commercial pilot license and later achieved certification as a Flight Instructor within the same year.
Along with instructing, Duke worked as a glider tow pilot at Mile High Gliding, operating from Boulder Airport. He holds endorsements for complex aircraft, high-performance airplanes, tailwheel operations, and glider towing. Duke has logged approximately 800 flight hours, including 250 hours in tailwheel aircraft and 10 hours in complex airplanes. His professional experience includes flight instruction at Journeys Aviation and Mile High Gliding, teaching flight maneuvers and ground school.
Educational Journey: From High School to University
Jonathan Wayne Valentour attended Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio, a Catholic private school emphasizing academic rigor and personal growth. During his high school years, Duke played baseball and football. His football teams qualified for the state playoffs during his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons.
In 2017, Duke enrolled at Ohio State University in Columbus, where he studied Integrated Systems Engineering and earned a Bachelor of Science. At OSU, he served as the Business Development Lead for the Buckeye Space Launch Initiative from 2020 to 2021, a student organization dedicated to space-related projects. While studying, Duke also worked at Ball Packaging, producing cans and lids. Through this role, he learned about Ball Aerospace and later secured an internship with the company.
Volunteer Work with the Young Eagles Program
Jonathan Wayne Valentour volunteers with the Young Eagles program, run by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). This initiative offers free introductory flights to youth aged 8 to 17, aiming to encourage interest in aviation and inspire future pilots. Duke conducts pre-flight briefings, flies young passengers, and leads post-flight question-and-answer sessions.
Founded over seventy years ago, the EAA began as a group of airplane builders and has since expanded to promote all aspects of aviation. Through his involvement, Duke shares his passion for flying and continues the encouragement he received from his grandfather and father.
Personal Interests Beyond Aviation
Outside of his engineering and flying activities, Duke enjoys spending time outdoors. His hobbies include hiking and skiing. He values these activities' physical challenges and the chance to connect with nature.
These interests complement his aviation career by offering an alternative way to experience the environment. Spending time outdoors provides balance and perspective alongside his professional and piloting commitments.
He leads projects to enhance processes within Research and Development, Production, and Depot Programs connected to Optical Systems. This involves conducting root cause analyses to identify process breakdowns and implementing solutions designed for long-term effectiveness. Duke maintains close communication with production technicians to ensure the success of these improvements.
Duke started with Ball Aerospace as an intern in 2020. His performance earned him a full-time position, and in 2024, after Ball Aerospace became part of BAE Systems, he was promoted to his current role, reflecting his growing responsibilities and contributions.
Jonathan Wayne Valentour’s Early Passion for Aviation
Jonathan Wayne Valentour’s interest in aviation began during his youth through visits to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. Duke, accompanied by his grandfather, Colonel Wayne Basset, explored the museum’s extensive collection of over 360 aircraft and missiles, recognized as the world’s largest military aviation museum. These experiences nurtured his enthusiasm for flying.
While interning at Ball Aerospace in 2021, Duke completed his private pilot check ride. He advanced his training by earning the instrument rating in 2023, which enables him to fly under instrument flight rules. In early 2024, Duke earned his commercial pilot license and later achieved certification as a Flight Instructor within the same year.
Along with instructing, Duke worked as a glider tow pilot at Mile High Gliding, operating from Boulder Airport. He holds endorsements for complex aircraft, high-performance airplanes, tailwheel operations, and glider towing. Duke has logged approximately 800 flight hours, including 250 hours in tailwheel aircraft and 10 hours in complex airplanes. His professional experience includes flight instruction at Journeys Aviation and Mile High Gliding, teaching flight maneuvers and ground school.
Educational Journey: From High School to University
Jonathan Wayne Valentour attended Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio, a Catholic private school emphasizing academic rigor and personal growth. During his high school years, Duke played baseball and football. His football teams qualified for the state playoffs during his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons.
In 2017, Duke enrolled at Ohio State University in Columbus, where he studied Integrated Systems Engineering and earned a Bachelor of Science. At OSU, he served as the Business Development Lead for the Buckeye Space Launch Initiative from 2020 to 2021, a student organization dedicated to space-related projects. While studying, Duke also worked at Ball Packaging, producing cans and lids. Through this role, he learned about Ball Aerospace and later secured an internship with the company.
Volunteer Work with the Young Eagles Program
Jonathan Wayne Valentour volunteers with the Young Eagles program, run by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). This initiative offers free introductory flights to youth aged 8 to 17, aiming to encourage interest in aviation and inspire future pilots. Duke conducts pre-flight briefings, flies young passengers, and leads post-flight question-and-answer sessions.
Founded over seventy years ago, the EAA began as a group of airplane builders and has since expanded to promote all aspects of aviation. Through his involvement, Duke shares his passion for flying and continues the encouragement he received from his grandfather and father.
Personal Interests Beyond Aviation
Outside of his engineering and flying activities, Duke enjoys spending time outdoors. His hobbies include hiking and skiing. He values these activities' physical challenges and the chance to connect with nature.
These interests complement his aviation career by offering an alternative way to experience the environment. Spending time outdoors provides balance and perspective alongside his professional and piloting commitments.
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