Introduction

As the nation's premier research organizations for aviation technology, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have made significant contributions through research and technology (R&T) programs to assure the safety, security, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of the national aviation system.

Today this system is under heavy pressure to keep pace with rising traffic demand, the need for essential safety and security improvements, airspace user requirements for more flexible and efficient air traffic management operations, and the demand for further mitigation of the environmental impacts of aircraft operations.

To meet these future challenges, the FAA and NASA have entered into an innovative partnership to ensure that this nation's airports and airways are ready for the demands of the 21st century.

The FAA's mission is to provide a safe, secure, and efficient global aerospace system that contributes to national security and the promotion of U.S. aerospace safety. NASA's mission, in part, is to research, develop, verify, and transfer advanced aeronautics and related technologies.

The NASA and FAA missions are interdependent. NASA's research focuses on the development of high-risk revolutionary technology advances needed for the FAA and industry to succeed in the future. The FAA's research focuses primarily on more immediate needs in the areas of airport and aircraft safety and security, modernization of the air traffic management system, and environmental compatibility.

The challenges of modernization, growth, and realizing new transportation opportunities require both agencies to work in close cooperation to leverage each other's strengths. By integrating research and development activities, we can succeed in developing innovative technologies, concepts, and products that will enhance the safety and security of the flying public, and create an aviation system that is more efficient, and friendlier to our communities and our globe.

This booklet contains descriptions of technology and operations research the FAA, NASA, airlines, and industry are performing to improve efficiency/capacity, reduce emissions and noise, improve aircraft and airport safety and security, and increase intermodal connectivity and access with general aviation.

When viewed together, these research directions begin to reveal an exciting future for air transportation. However, they are only a few examples of a much larger vision--a vision that can only be achieved through the cooperative efforts of the entire aviation community. It is only through your involvement and help that we can reach, and even surpass our goals.

Over the next several months we will continue to work with you as we define our priorities. This represents the beginning of a process we are building toward understanding, commitment, and focus for the Federal investment in science and technology, and the government-industry partnerships required for success.