Austin Meyer

Austin Meyer is the President of Laminar Research, a company well-known for developing the flight simulator software X-Plane. He founded Laminar Research in 1995, and since then, he has played a pivotal role in its growth and development, overseeing various iterations of X-Plane, including the recent X-Plane 12, which was released in December 2022.23

Meyer has a background in aerospace engineering, having graduated from Iowa State University. His work on X-Plane began as a personal project that evolved into a leading flight simulation platform, competing with major players like Microsoft Flight Simulator.34 In addition to his work in flight simulation, he is also involved in various philanthropic efforts and investments aimed at promoting clean energy and technology.4

Despite his success, Meyer's leadership style has been described as unconventional. In 2012, he was humorously "fired" by his own company during an April Fool's prank, which highlighted his unique approach to management and innovation within the industry.12 He is also recognized for his documentary film "The Patent Scam," which critiques patent trolling and its impact on innovation.34

Overall, Austin Meyer is a significant figure in the field of flight simulation, known for his innovative contributions and commitment to advancing technology in aviation.