A brief review of recent developments in engineering education leads to basic reflections about the importance of design education. Aircraft design is singled out as a field where demands on design are particularly high and urgent. Basic needs are determined. Additional challenges posed by engineering technology, continuing studies, liberal-technical education, and new concepts of professionalism are discussed. An overall perspective is developed which foresees a dynamic evolutionary process and indicates that much initiative should originate on the faculty level while guidance should be provided on a policy making level. (NTIS)