The United States has long been the world's leader in aviation research and innovation, with strong support from federal investment. However, over the past decade, federal support for aviation research and development has declined in both the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and in the Department of Defense.

This year, ASME's Aerospace Engineering Division established the Aviation R&D Task Force to address declining federal support for aviation R&D and to recommend steps to reverse the trend. To that end, the task force testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies, and gave written testimony to the House and Senate authorizing committees that determine NASA's aviation research budgets.

The task force noted that the nation's investment in civil and military aeronautics research pays large dividends to national security, to economic competitiveness, and to the nation's balance of foreign trade. Sales of aircraft and aircraft equipment account for the largest single positive balance of trade.

A February 2000 National Research Council report found that the United States has been losing ground in the world aerospace market, falling from more than 70 percent in the 1980s to about 55 percent today. With aviation constituting a vital segment of the U.S. economy, the continued decline in aviation research does not bode well for the future of the industry, the task force maintained.

The group identified three main undesirable effects of the decline in federal support for aviation research.

First is that a decline in university research results in fewer engineers becoming involved in the aviation industry. The concomitant lack of infrastructure could take decades to overcome at a time when the United States is fighting for world market share of aircraft and aircraft parts.

The second is the risk posed to the nation's military preparedness. Declines in aviation R&D at the Department of Defense could severely limit the ability of our armed forces to maintain air superiority in the decades to come.

Third, the safety of the nation's already overburdened air transportation system could be put at further risk due to a lack of research into new technologies. While the United States enjoys a very low air accident rate, which has remained unchanged for about 20 years, lack of support for research into new technologies designed to reduce airport runway incursions, prevent and contain fires aboard planes, sufficiently deice exteriors, and better understand the effects of aging on aircraft could change this positive situation in the years to come. In addition, environmental concerns associated with engine noise and emissions must be addressed.

Since its testimony, ASME's Aerospace Engineering Division, with support from the Board on Government Relations, has been working diligently to bring the issue to the attention of policy makers on Capitol Hill and in the requisite federal agencies. To accomplish that, ASME spearheaded the formation of a 10-member coalition of organizations to communicate with policy makers about the problem and to recommend near- and long-term solutions. The coalition issued a statement, held a press briefing, and sponsored a luncheon briefing on Capitol Hill to draw attention to the issue.

In the space of just a few months, the effort has produced results, the most significant of which was passage in October by both the House and the Senate of a three-year NASA authorization bill. This is the first time in eight years that Congress has passed legislation authorizing NASA programs. The bill authorizes significant boosts to NASA's aeronautics research and technology portfolio, increasing funding from $770 million in fiscal 2000 to $880 million in fiscal 2002. These increases are consistent with the recommendations of the coalition. While appropriators (those congressional committees that actually provide the money) are not required to abide by the recommendations of authorization bills, the bill and the increases it recommends is nonetheless a positive sign that the message is getting through to members of Congress.

The fiscal year 2001 budget for NASA shows, however, that the appropriators have begun to notice the problem and are taking initial steps to correct it. Funding will be increased for a number of important research programs, including quiet aircraft engine technologies, ultra-efficient engines, and small aircraft systems.

Much work remains, however. As with other areas of research, a sustained, long-term federal commitment is needed to ensure the continued technological and economic viability of the nation's civil and government aviation infrastructure.

ASME's position statement, "Crisis in U.S. Aviation Research and Development," can be obtained online at www. asme.org/gric/position.html.

Francis Dietz works in ASME Government Relations in Washington, D.C.

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