Critical
Research for the Future of Aviation
In 2003, as the world celebrated the
100th anniversary of Orville and Wilbur Wright's first flight,
the next generation of aviation researchers forged ahead to ensure
the safety and efficiency of the next 100 years of flight. In
1903, our greatest research challenge was to master powered flight.
One hundred years later, our research and development accomplishments
span the globe.
Since the Wright Brother's first flight,
aviation researchers have worked to improve navigation tools and
field critical safety technologies. Today that legacy continues
as FAA's researchers and scientists lay the groundwork for future
free flight operations and develop the technologies, tools, and
procedures to ensure that the agency accomplishes critical safety,
efficiency, and environmental goals.
FAA's Office of Aviation Research
and Development is ready for the challenges of the 21st century
as it leads the world in the development of new aviation technologies
to make the national aviation system more efficient.