Role of University Research in Aviation Safety and Competitiveness: Testimony tothe US Congress

摘要

Presented here are the written and oral testimony of the Executive Director ofthe National Institute for Aviation Research as it was given before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee on Technology and Competitiveness. Reasons for, and returns on, investment in university-based aviation research are discussed. Some specific activities at Wichita State University that were funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) include research on crashworthiness, stall-spin safety, electro-impulse-de-icing, the reliability of computer software used in aircraft, structural integrity, aging aircraft, human factors, advanced cockpits, propulsion and fuel systems, atmospheric hazards, flight safety, and other mostly safety-related aviation subjects. Wichita State University has conducted a number of workshops and seminars with the FAA, established a cooperative educational program with the FAA Technical Center, and participated in their Summer Faculty Research program. Barriers to innovation and competitiveness, and examples of successful research, development, and use of new information and technology are also given, as well as suggestions for improving aviation safety and competitiveness.