The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME International) has issued a position paper to members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate explaining the need for a stronger federal government commitment to aviation research and technology.
Written under the banner, The Future of Flight -- The Next 100 Years, the ASME statement urges increased levels of federal spending for the programs of NASA, Department of Defense, and Federal Aviation Administration as necessary steps to develop breakthrough technologies, enhance the transportation infrastructure, and ensure national military security.
According to the statement, federal funding will allow improvements in the air traffic management system and unleash research into the next generation of advanced technologies for civil and military applications. Research dollars are also required to develop the fuel efficient, environmentally friendly aircraft demanded by the public.
Since 1998, federal spending for research programs at NASA and the Department of Defense has been reduced by nearly one-third, notes ASME.
Federal support is also required to help create a workplace environment that is conducive to growth in aviation technology. Pointing to "a graying workforce in science, engineering and manufacturing," the statement urges government-supported strategies to provide "a continuing supply of qualified people to meet the nation's future aviation workforce needs."
Specific actions proposed by ASME include a government-appointed task force to draw public attention to career opportunities in the aviation industry and a formal national policy that provides adequate resources for research and technology development.
The statement concludes: "In this centennial year of the Wright Brothers' first flight, it is more important than ever that America renew its national commitment to leadership in aviation. In order to do so, we must ensure the strength and stability of the nation's aviation infrastructure by formulating and committing to a national aviation research and technology policy that incorporates adequate federal funding."
Sixteen prominent technical organizations have endorsed the ASME paper (03-10), which can be viewed on the ASME Website, http://www.asme.org/gric/ps
ASME International is a 120,000-member organization focused on technical, educational and research issues. ASME conducts one of the world's largest technical publishing operations, holds numerous technical conferences worldwide, and offers hundreds of professional development courses each year. ASME sets internationally recognized industrial and manufacturing codes and standards that enhance public welfare and safety.
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