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 At a time when America's fiscal problems are threatening to undermine critical aerospace and defense programs, workers and business and civic leaders from across the country will soon gather in Washington and their local communities for National Aerospace Week to highlight the essential contributions of the aerospace and defense industry to our economic recovery, national security and technological superiority.
American leadership in aerospace and defense is being threatened by forces in Congress and the administration. The security of our troops, our technological future and our economic stability is at risk. We must preserve jobs across the nation that keep our nation strong. Join us and act now before it is too late.
In an address to the National Aeronautics Association July 13, AIA Chairman and President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes James F. Albaugh warned the nation risked "intellectual disarmament" in the aerospace sector if industry firms could not continue to attract engineering talent.
By guest author Tom Captain
In May, Deloitte published a detailed study on the business case for air transportation system transformation for NextGen and other global programs. We presented our findings at the Aviation Week NextGen Ahead conference that same month. The study was prepared to add an objective voice to the ongoing dialogue about costs, benefits and challenges associated with transforming the air transportation system by compiling a bottoms-up cost benefit study of the investment value for airlines, governments and passengers to contemplate. It should be no surprise that the business case appears to us as a classic open and shut case for proceeding – a common observation of many knowledgeable on the issues.
As the Obama administration conducts a review of the U.S. Space Transportation Policy, the Defense Department recently issued a directive in line with AIA recommendations to bolster the U.S. commercial small launch industry.
The Aerospace Industries Association extended its record growth with the enrollment of four new full members and four associate members in July. Full membership has increased more than 50 percent since January 2010 to 151 companies.
Over the past several years the Defense Department has deployed Enterprise Resource Planning Systems to help Government officers better manage the entire procurement process. These ERPs have acronyms such as DAI, DEAMS, EBS, GFEBS, etc. While it is generally accepted that this move will promote the efficient tracking and management of contracts, each deployment has presented industry and government with major challenges.
American leadership in aerospace and defense is being threatened by forces in Congress and the administration. The security of our troops, our technological future and our economic stability is at risk. Now more than ever our industry needs us to make our voices heard and protect aerospace and defense manufacturing.
The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security published a proposed rule July 22 on implementing the transfer of low- or non-sensitive items for export from the restrictive U.S. Munitions List to the Commerce Control List.
The subject of Organizational Conflicts of Interest has been churning on Capitol Hill and in executive agencies for the last few years. A new proposed OCI rule represents a significant and positive departure from the current approach.
Shortly before dawn, mission control received one last radio call, "Wheels stop." Shuttle Atlantis completed its final mission, marking the end of the thirty-year space shuttle program. Although the shuttle will long be remembered for a wealth of historic achievements, the program's end brings a sense of urgency on new U.S. human spaceflight systems.
The United States S1000D Management Group will hold its 100th meeting in October 2011. The organization was formed more than 7 years ago by the defense industrial and government communities. The group is supported and chaired by both industry and US government representatives, who also represent the requirements of the United States to the international Steering Committee. The USSMG operates under the auspices of Tech Pubs sub-committee within the Product Support committee in AIA.
Recently the FAA issued Policy AIR100-2011-120-003, Assessing the Reliability and Certification Procedures for Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Systems Using Lead-Free Solder and Lead-Free Finishes on Components. This policy raises the awareness that performance and reliability of electronic systems may be affected when lead-free solder and component finishes are introduced into the system.
AIA has brought in two significant new hires in August. Francis X. 'Chip' Sheller has joined as Vice President of Communications and Richard Efford has been named Assistant Vice President for Legislative Affairs.
AIA's Summer Supplier Management Council Meeting, hosted by Embraer Aircraft Holding, broke all attendance records, with more than 180 members attending the meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. last month. The recent improvements made to the Supplier Management Council have been making a difference and provide members greater involvement in the governance of the council as well as a better meeting experience.
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