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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.