http://www.aia-dev.org/index.php en patrick.carlson@aia-aerospace.org Copyright 2012 2012-01-31T14:51:49+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/worlds_largest_rocket_contest_helps_aspiring_stem_leaders_take_off/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/worlds_largest_rocket_contest_helps_aspiring_stem_leaders_take_off/#When:15:51:49Z Nearly 700 teams of middle and high school students across 48 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands are gearing up for the 2012 Team America Rocketry Challenge, the world’s largest student rocket contest and a critical piece of the aerospace industry’s workforce development pipeline. The 10th anniversary competition is the most challenging in the history of the event. This year, each team is tasked with designing and building a rocket carrying a two egg payload to 800 feet and back during a 43- to 47-second flight without cracking. A strict limit on liftoff weight forces students to focus on designing the payload bay while building a lighter, stronger rocket. The top 100 teams will advance to the National Finals May 12 at Great Meadow in The Plains, Va. Sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association, the National Association of Rocketry and more than 30 industry partners, the contest aims to inspire middle and high school students to pursue careers in science, math and engineering. “We’re thrilled to see the competition evolve from a one-time celebration of flight to a true workforce development program,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “We know the quality and value that TARC alumni bring to our industry and the competition serves as a model for other sectors.” With teams hailing from Hoonah, Alaska, to Pensacola, Fla., the contest includes all-girls teams, a team with members who will be the first in their family to graduate from high school and a team from Joplin, Mo., whose community was ravaged by a tornado last May. In a 2010 TARC alumni survey, approximately 80 percent of respondents said TARC had a positive impact on their course of study. Four out of five respondents reported that they plan to pursue a college major in an area related to science, math or engineering. “TARC has been a defining factor in my choice to study engineering,” said Landon Fisher, TARC national champion team member. “The program gave me a way to learn the hands-on side of engineering and opened up many educational opportunities. Next fall I plan to head to one of the nation’s top aerospace engineering programs.” Teams are competing for up to $60,000 in scholarships and prizes, as well as an opportunity to participate in NASA’s Student Launch Initiative. Raytheon Company provides funding for the winning team to defend America’s 2011 championship title at the international fly-off at the Farnborough International Air Show in July against teams from the UK and France. 2012-01-31T15:51:49+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/the_real_defense_budget_challenges_lie_ahead/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/the_real_defense_budget_challenges_lie_ahead/#When:22:51:20Z Today’s announcement from Secretary Panetta should be considered with one overarching question in mind – how do we protect our country’s national and economic security if an additional $500 billion in defense budget cuts are forthcoming? The discussion today on how DOD will cut $487 billion over ten years beginning in fiscal year 2013 was only the trailer for a motion picture with an unscripted climax. The failure of the Super Committee to address entitlement program and tax reform as the only viable solutions to the budget crisis leaves voters and the defense industry asking whether Congress is prepared to script a new ending to a flawed first draft. An ending that will properly arm our warfighters and protect our country from adversaries around the world. A conclusion that does not decimate the defense industrial base and put a million American workers out on the street. We commend Secretary Panetta for the caution and measured approach taken to identify the first set of “priorities and choices” necessary to achieving a fiscal year 2013 plan under the Budget Control Act’s $487 billion defense budget cut. At the same time, we can’t ignore that these cuts will have real consequences on our military and industrial base. On behalf of the over one million American aerospace and defense workers and 300 million Americans counting on Washington to protect our country, it is our hope that Congress will give equally focused attention to priorities, choices and potentially disastrous outcomes related to sequestration, or anything resembling it. 2012-01-26T22:51:20+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_national_and_economic_security_at_stake/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_national_and_economic_security_at_stake/#When:21:59:12Z In advance of tonight’s State of the Union Address, AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey released the following statement: “The State of the Union can be measured in many ways, but first and foremost is the security of the nation. By that measure, the future of our country is unclear. The President’s Budget Request scheduled for release Feb. 13 targets defense for a $487 billion reduction over ten years. “However, that isn’t the end. Defense faces more than five hundred billion dollars of additional cuts under a sequestration scenario driven by politics rather than security. Simply put, this will jeopardize the nation’s security, knee-cap the technological edge we’ve enjoyed for generations in aerospace and defense and risk as many as one million American jobs. As a nation, we need to put our foot down when it comes to any more defense cuts and agree to a bipartisan solution to sequestration. “Our air and naval fleets are older and smaller than they’ve been in decades and we stand to lose vital industrial and security capabilities. These times demand a full commitment from the president and the congressional leaders of both parties to invest in the industrial base that has kept our country safe and developed the most impressive technology and research anywhere in the world.” Background The failure of the debt “Supercommittee” created by the Budget Control Act, triggers one trillion dollars in automatic, across-the-board discretionary spending reductions falling on our military and domestic programs beginning in January 2013. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta calls these “devastating” and “dangerous” cuts “completely unacceptable,” and warns they would hollow out the military and generate “unacceptable risk in future combat operations.” The bipartisan Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees all oppose these “draconian” reductions, as Chairman Levin described them. This would also undermine the nascent economic recovery, eliminating between one and 1.5 million jobs, according to economists at the University of Maryland and George Mason University. DOD predicts a full percentage point would be added to the national unemployment rate, which has only just come down below nine percent. 2012-01-24T21:59:12+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/satellite_export_reform_critical_to/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/satellite_export_reform_critical_to/#When:17:17:52Z The U.S. space industry is losing its competitive edge and risks falling short of future national security requirements unless government reforms our export control system and promotes the international competitiveness of U.S. industry, according to a new report released by AIA. “A strong and globally competitive space industrial and supplier base is a major national security asset,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “Reforming America’s export control system and promoting space exports will better serve our national security and bolster our economy and technological leadership.” The report, Competing for Space: Satellite Export Policy and U.S. National Security, surveys U.S. satellite systems and components manufacturers about the challenges the space industrial base faces as a result of U.S. export policies. Among the adverse impacts on industry are loss of global market share and dampening of satellite component sales opportunities to sustain U.S. space technology leadership. AIA’s survey found more than 70 percent of respondents incurred lost sales due to the current export control system. Commercial space system suppliers—who also often build critical components essential to our national security—face some of the most daunting challenges, with one firm citing annual losses of $5 million because of these impediments. “Unlike the rest of the world, U.S. law requires export control agencies to regulate commercial satellites and components the same as anti-tank missiles,” Blakey said. “Clearly, it’s time for a change. Promotion of satellite and space exports to U.S. allies and partners will help ensure our security and aerospace industrial base remains second to none.” AIA’s recommendations to policymakers include: Support legislation that would return authority over commercial satellite export control jurisdiction to the administration Remove low/no risk technologies from the U.S. Munitions List Advocate for space exports to U.S. allies and partners Develop easier cooperative arrangements on space technology between the U.S. government and military and our foreign allies and partners Read the Competing for Space report and a fact sheet on satellite export control reform. 2012-01-23T17:17:52+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_ndia_psc_release_joint_industrial_base_report/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_ndia_psc_release_joint_industrial_base_report/#When:19:12:25Z Impending cuts to the defense budget will stifle the ability of the defense industry to deliver innovation and urgent wartime capabilities according to a report released by the Defense Industrial Base Task Force today. The Task Force, composed of companies from AIA, NDIA and PSC, was formed last October as a result of Defense Secretary Panetta’s meeting with representatives of AIA’s Executive Committee in September. “This report paints an alarming picture for the future of the aerospace and defense industry,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “Yesterday Secretary Panetta outlined very severe reductions in the defense budget. Any further cuts will cripple crucial industrial base capabilities in the national security sector.” The report, based on an industry analysis initiated by the Task Force, concluded that smaller budgets would make the industry less innovative, force the layoff of skilled technical personnel, freeze investments and escalate the pace of mergers and acquisitions. Respondents expect that cuts to procurement and R&D will be frontloaded in the first several years. “The findings and conclusions of this report emphasize the critical need for government-industry dialog and partnership,” said NDIA President and CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Lawrence Farrell. “Especially in this time of shrinking defense budgets, government needs to communicate openly and often with industry to ensure impacts to the industrial base are deliberately managed, rather than left solely to market forces.” The Task Force sent the report to Secretary Panetta on Nov. 11. On Dec. 22, Deputy Secretary Ashton Carter, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendall and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy Brett Lambert met with Task Force representatives to discuss the paper. “We were very pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the paper with Secretary Carter and his team,” said PSC President & CEO Stan Soloway. “We strongly believe that the impacts could be partially mitigated over time, particularly if DOD focuses heavily on ‘how’ it is buying and, in so doing, genuinely incentivizes the kinds of innovation that is necessary.” Industry acknowledges that in the current economic environment, budget reductions are necessary. However, the U.S. defense industrial base is a national strategic asset. The draconian approach if sequestration is triggered will cause the loss of critical skills and capabilities as companies make business decisions based on these radical cuts. The report and cover letter to Defense Secretary Panetta can be found here: http://bit.ly/zw39no 2012-01-06T19:12:25+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_calls_for_measured_approach_to_defense_budget/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_calls_for_measured_approach_to_defense_budget/#When:20:17:52Z For some time our industry has advocated that reductions in the defense budget be made on the basis of a new national defense strategy that seeks to secure America’s future rather than simply applying lower numbers across-the-board. We therefore appreciate the evident hard work and thoughtful process that President Obama and Secretary Panetta described in developing the new strategy and their commitment to avoid arbitrary cuts. We are encouraged that Secretary Panetta made it clear once again that sequestration was not an option for the strong defense that our nation deserves. He also specifically recognized the importance of a strong industrial base to support the military. It’s been a long-standing concern of defense experts that ill-considered cuts will leave the industry unable to develop and build the technologies and the capabilities that have made America’s military the finest in the world. 2012-01-05T20:17:52+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_elects_officers_board_of_governors_for_2012/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_elects_officers_board_of_governors_for_2012/#When:15:21:25Z The Aerospace Industries Association Board of Governors has elected David P. Hess, President of Pratt & Whitney, United Technologies Corporation, as its Chairman for 2012. Hess will begin his term Jan. 1, succeeding Jim Albaugh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Wes Bush, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Northrop Grumman Corporation, was elected AIA’s Vice Chairman. “I look forward to leading AIA as we continue to fight to preserve the nation’s aerospace industrial base and to modernize civil aerospace systems,” said Hess. “I’m proud of the steps we’ve taken to strengthen our partnership with government and this will continue to be a focus area for me.” The Board re-elected Marion C. Blakey as AIA’s President and Chief Executive Officer as well as AIA’s Chief Financial Officer, Ginette C. Colot, as Secretary-Treasurer. Additional members of the 2012 AIA Board of Governors Executive Committee are: Jim Albaugh, President & Chief Executive Officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, The Boeing Company Robert Brady, Executive Chairman, Moog, Inc. David Dobson, President, Alcoa Defense Scott C. Donnelly, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Textron Inc. Dawne S. Hickton, Vice Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer, RTI International Metals, Inc. Linda P. Hudson, President & Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems, Inc. Jay L. Johnson, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, General Dynamics Corporation David L. Joyce, President & Chief Executive Officer, GE Aviation Neal J. Keating, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Kaman Aerospace Corporation Tim O. Mahoney, President & Chief Executive Officer, Honeywell Aerospace Robert J. Stevens, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Lockheed Martin Corporation Michael T. Strianese, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, L-3 Communications William H. Swanson, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Raytheon Company Jeffrey L. Turner, President & Chief Executive Officer, Spirit AeroSystems Robert White, Vice President & Division Manager, Millitech, Inc. Additional members of the 2012 AIA Board of Governors are: Robert Smith, President, Acutec Precision Machining Scott J. Seymour, President & Chief Executive Officer, Aerojet Mark Lee, Chairman, Aero-Mark, LLC Timothy Conver, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, AeroVironment, Inc. Jeff Davis, Partner, AGC Aerospace & Defense Mark W. DeYoung, President & Chief Executive Officer, ATK Joseph Carleone, President & Chief Executive Officer, American Pacific Corporation John S. Langford, Chairman & President, Aurora Flight Sciences Robert J. Khoury, Vice Chairman, B/E Aerospace, Inc. Roy D. Goldsmith, President & Chief Executive Officer, Barnes Group Aftermarket, Barnes Group Colin P. Combs, President, Advanced Engineering & Technological Gp., Belcan Corporation Guy C. Hachey, President & Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace John S. Lenyo, President & General Manager, CAE USA, Inc. James Callan, President, Castle Metals Aerospace Michael McGuire, President, Celestica Aerospace & Technolgy Corporation, Celestica Corporation Timothy Stockton, President & Chief Executive Officer, Certon Software, Inc. Mark Rosenker, Member of the Board of Directors of Sequa, Chromalloy Charles Hutter, President & Chief Executive Officer, Click Bond, Inc. Brian Glackin, Vice President, Government Relations, Cobham Gerald Dinkel, President & Chief Executive Officer, Colt Defense, LLC Paul Lithgow, President, Comtech AeroAstro, Inc. Bradley Feldmann, President, Cubic Defense Applications, Inc. David C. Adams, Co-Chief Operating Officer, Curtiss-Wright Corporation Thomas Captain, Vice Chairman, Principal, Aerospace & Defense Sector Leader, Deloitte Consulting, LLP Anthony Reardon, President & Chief Executive Officer, Ducommun Incorporated William Weber, Vice President, North America, DuPont Company Bradley J. Morton, President, Aerospace Group, Eaton Corporation Raanan L. Horowitz, President & Chief Executive Officer, Elbit Systems of America Gary J. Spulak, President, Embraer Aircraft Holding Inc. Udo Rieder, President & Chief Executive Officer, Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated R. Brad Lawrence, President & Chief Executive Officer, Esterline Technologies Steven Darson, Vice President, Strategic Planning, Flextronics International USA Marshall O. Larsen, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Goodrich Corporation Andrew Crook, Mil Aero-Business Leader, W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. William M. Brown, President & Chief Executive Officer, Harris Corporation Laurans L. Mendelson, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, HEICO Corporation David E. Berges, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Hexcel Corporation Anthony Lawson, President, HITCO Carbon Composites Craig Pfefferman, President, IEC Electronics Corporation David F. Melcher, President, ITT Exelis Stewart Cramer, President, LAI International, Inc. Ronald S. Saks, Chief Executive Officer, LMI Aerospace Inc. Richard L. McNeel, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Lord Corporation Thomas Marotta, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Marotta Controls, Inc. Lorraine Rienecker, Executive Vice President, Strategy Sales & Marketing, Meggitt PLC Ralph W. Carpenter, Aerospace & Defense Industry Lead, Oracle Corporation James Western, President, Pall Aeropower Corporation Robert P. Barker, Executive Vice President & Operating Officer, Parker Hannifin Corporation; President, Parker Aerospace Kevin M. Sandkuhler, President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Pinkerton Government Services, Inc. Clayton M. Jones, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Rockwell Collins James M. Guyette, President & Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce North America, Inc. Walter Havenstein, Chief Executive Officer, Science Applications International Corporation Mark Testoni, President, SAP Public Services Mark Sirangelo, Chairman & Executive Vice President, Sierra Nevada Corporation Michael Lipscomb, President & Chief Executive Officer, SIFCO Cathy L. McCarthy, Chairperson, Board of Directors, SM&A Gwynne Shotwell, President, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation Bill Graham, President & CEO, The SI Organization, Inc. Kevin J. Carter, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Timco Aviation Services, Inc. Richard C. Ill, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Triumph Group, Inc. Douglas Davis, President, UFC Aerospace Randy Snyder, President, Wesco Aircraft Hardware Corporation Thomas A. Gendron, Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer, Woodward, Inc. 2011-12-20T15:21:25+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/sequestration_trigger_clouds_aerospace_picture/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/sequestration_trigger_clouds_aerospace_picture/#When:21:16:53Z Failure of the deficit reduction supercommittee and the specter of sequestration cuts cast a shadow on a relatively strong year for the aerospace industry. “The fact that our industry is a leading job-creator, a technological innovator and a critical part of our nation’s security is too important to be taken for granted,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “If this industry stops being Second to None, the future of our country is in question.” In her remarks to more than 300 members of the news media, government and industry at the association’s 47th annual Year-end Review and Forecast Luncheon, Blakey cited a preliminary total aerospace sales figure of $218 billion, making 2011 the eighth consecutive year of growth. “Annual sales are going to be up across the board in 2011,” Blakey said. “But in 2012 we expect things to begin to change.” In 2011, the U.S. aerospace industry contributed $87 billion in export sales to the U.S. economy, up 12 percent, after falling during the two previous years. The industry’s positive trade balance of $57.4 billion is the largest trade surplus of any manufacturing industry. This year was a challenging one for the space industry. The space shuttle was retired, and we experienced cuts to NOAA weather satellites and space security programs. Nonetheless, sales increased from $45.3 billion in 2010 to $46.4 billion in 2011. On the jobs front, aerospace employment will see a slight increase in 2011. However, sequestration cuts could cost the industry dearly in the years ahead, with projected job losses in the hundreds of thousands and more than a million jobs at stake in the broader economy. “Under sequestration, our industry faces exposure all around,” Blakey said. “Not only are the defense cuts unsustainable, but domestic discretionary programs could be cut by about 7 percent as well, including deeper cuts to NASA, NOAA and critical FAA programs like NextGen.” The aerospace industry is among those dealing with the downward pressures of a challenging economy, and the uncertainty created by the current budget process in Washington. Congressional efforts will be slow to reveal a clear path forward on resolving the debt, and will be freighted with a whole new level of political intensity. “We need a resolution,” Blakey said. “Our only option for 2012 is to keep fighting. That means new rallies, more outreach and ongoing efforts to educate policymakers and stakeholders across the country about the disastrous consequences of gutting the U.S. defense and aerospace industry.” AIA’s Year-End Statistics can be found at: http://www.aia-aerospace.org/resource_center/economics/year_end_review_and_forecast/. 2011-12-14T21:16:53+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/statement_by_blakey_on_exim/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/statement_by_blakey_on_exim/#When:19:41:32Z We are deeply concerned that Congress has not passed a long-term reauthorization of the U.S. Export-Import Bank. We strongly urge passage of a full four-year reauthorization before the current authorization expires December 16. The bank serves a critical function for U.S. job creation and economic growth by supporting the financing of American exporters. In fiscal year 2011, the bank reports that it supported more than $40 billion in U.S. exports, helping to create or sustain an estimated 290,000 direct and indirect jobs at over 3,600 U.S. small and large companies – while earning a $700 million return on taxpayer investment. More than 80 percent of the bank’s transactions in fiscal year 2011 supported U.S. small businesses. It’s particularly important to the aerospace industry, which contributes the largest positive trade balance of any manufacturing sector at $51 billion in 2010. U.S. companies face stiff competition from overseas competitors who have unfettered access to similar export credit programs. Denial of Export-Import Bank support to U.S. manufacturers is tantamount to unilateral disarmament in the marketplace. Because the bank’s operations are crucial to the ability of U.S. companies – large and small – to compete on a level playing field, Congress should reauthorize the Export-Import Bank before they close out this year’s legislative session. 2011-12-09T19:41:32+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/kennett_recognized_with_lyman_award/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/kennett_recognized_with_lyman_award/#When:19:06:38Z Douglas Kennett, a longtime public relations practitioner with more than four decades experience, has been selected to receive the 2011 Lauren D. Lyman Award for outstanding achievement in aerospace communications. As a U.S. Air Force public affairs officer for nearly thirty years, Kennett held many senior assignments including spokesman for U.S. forces in the United Kingdom, director of media relations for the Air Force and director of Defense Information at the Pentagon. Retiring to join McDonnell Douglas Corporation in 1996, he coordinated the surprise announcement of the merger late that year with The Boeing Company. He later worked as vice president of communications for Boeing’s Aircraft and Missiles division in St. Louis before returning to the company’s Washington, D.C. office in 2002. He retired from Boeing in December 2010. Kennett handled many high profile media situations, including a multiple day commercial aircraft hijacking in Korea in 1969 and calming public fears over potential microwave hazards from a new Air Force ballistic missile warning radar in 1979. This later effort earned Major Kennett the Aviation and Space Writers award as the top public information officer in the federal government. As director of public affairs for the Air Force Systems Command, Colonel Kennett led all aspects of media access for the then controversial B-2 Stealth Bomber, to include the unveiling and first flight in the late 1980s. Later as a senior Defense Department briefer, he was lead spokesman on two trips for Secretary of Defense William J. Perry, first to former Communist countries in Eastern Europe and then to Rwanda in the aftermath of genocide. “Doug faced some tough, high-pressure media enviroments during his career,” said Marty Hauser, director of government communications at UTC. “He always faced them with one goal in mind – to ensure journalists got the facts they needed and access to tell the aerospace story, both good and bad.” A former chair of the AIA Washington Public Relations Committee, Kennett mentored many military and civilian public affairs professionals to help them more actively engage the media throughout his career. He also mentored young journalists learning their craft while covering the Pentagon and the aerospace industry. Kennett will receive the award at AIA's Annual 47th Year-End Review and Forecast luncheon Dec. 14. The award is named after Lauren "Deac" Lyman, a Pulitzer-prize winning aviation reporter with the New York Times who later had a distinguished career as a public relations executive with United Aircraft, a predecessor to United Technologies Corporation. First awarded in 1972, the prize goes to a journalist or public relations professional in aviation who exhibits Lyman’s high standard of excellence. UTC is the longtime sponsor of the award. 2011-12-05T19:06:38+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/todays_supercommittee_announcement/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/todays_supercommittee_announcement/#When:14:28:13Z The announcement this afternoon that the supercommittee cannot reach agreement to avoid sequestration is of grave concern. At stake are $1.2 trillion in across-the-board budget cuts hitting the Defense Department, NASA, FAA and other federal programs. The Defense Department will need to start applying cuts to the fiscal year 2013 budget immediately and job losses will increase as the Pentagon is forced to halt work. AIA will continue to make sure that the impacts to our nation, economy and industry are well understood by all Americans. 2011-11-21T14:28:13+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/major_milestone_in_export_control_reform_reached/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/major_milestone_in_export_control_reform_reached/#When:16:48:33Z Draft revisions to Category VIII (military aircraft and associated parts and components) of the U.S. Munitions List released by the Obama administration today constitute a major milestone in the ongoing effort to control more appropriately exports to our allies of sensitive technology. “AIA has advocated for years for export control reforms that could better serve U.S. national security, foreign policy and economic interests,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “Throughout this reform process, the Obama administration has been focused on national security above all else and it has yielded good results.” Despite a cumbersome and outdated export control system, the aerospace and defense industry has consistently delivered the largest manufacturing trade surplus of any sector, with more than $77 billion in exports in 2010 and a surplus of $51.2 billion. Defense trade operating under improved, appropriate scrutiny supports interoperability with our close allies and partners, reduces unit costs for our own military and helps support a defense industrial base facing significant budget cuts. “Our industry is responsible for providing our men and women in uniform with an unparalleled technological edge on the battlefield,” Blakey said. “We have no interest in any revisions to the export control system that would compromise that advantage.” Critical to the success of this initiative is creating more appropriate controls for low- and no-risk technologies captured on the USML that are indistinguishable from commercially available technology. The proposed revisions to Category VIII replace vague regulatory language with greater specificity for items remaining on the USML and the creation of new, stronger controls for items moved to the Commerce Control List—a proposal that AIA made early in the Obama administration. “It’s imperative for the administration, Congress and industry to work together to streamline trade with our close allies and partners while continuing to deny access to sensitive U.S. technology by our adversaries,” Blakey said. “We welcome the opportunity to provide comments on how to improve the proposed revisions.” 2011-11-07T16:48:33+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/analysis_projects_one_million_jobs_at_risk_from_defense_cuts/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/analysis_projects_one_million_jobs_at_risk_from_defense_cuts/#When:19:15:44Z An economic impact analysis projects more than one million American jobs could be lost as a result of defense budget cuts if the deficit reduction select committee fails to reach agreement on alternative balanced budget solutions and total cuts to defense reach $1 trillion. Dr. Stephen S. Fuller, Dwight Schar Faculty Chair, University Professor and Director, Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University and Economic Modeling Specialists Inc. (EMSI) conducted the analysis on behalf of the Aerospace Industries Association. “Our analysis reveals bleak outcomes for both the defense industry and the economy as a whole if the budget sequestration trigger is pulled and $1 trillion is cut from defense,” said Dr. Fuller. “Dr. Fuller and EMSI’s study shows the dramatic and devastating impact these cuts would have, not only on our industry but on the economy at large,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “Congress must find budget deficit solutions that don’t sacrifice the jobs of those who supply the American warfighter.” “We cannot add .6 percent to the current 9.1 percent rate of unemployment, it would devastate the economy and the defense industrial base and undermine the national security of our country,” she added. Commenting on the findings, Tom Buffenbarger, President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said “the spending cuts of the Budget Control Act enacted last summer place at risk the jobs of highly skilled, highly motivated workers.” “We can ill afford to idle these men and women and the machines they operate indefinitely,” Buffenbarger added. Dr. Fuller and EMSI concluded that under the scenario of a $1 trillion cut to defense spending, an option under consideration by the budget deficit “Super Committee,” the flow down effect from the aerospace and defense industry to its supply chain and communities is significant, particularly given two factors. The defense industry has a notably high rate of subcontracted work flow and systems with high component volumes, driving job loss directly to program partners and the supply chain. Dr. Fuller’s analysis was based on an annual reduction of $45.01 billion to the military modernization accounts from which the aerospace and defense industry derives its revenues. “The total impact each year of a $45 billion cut would be to reduce GDP by $86.456 billion. This is equivalent to 25 percent of the projected annual increase in GDP for 2013 and its loss would reduce currently projected growth for 2013 from 2.3 percent to 1.7 percent,” Fuller said. Also, given the relatively high wages earned by U.S. aerospace and defense workers, consumer spending in communities in every state would decline significantly. “The multiplied impact of aerospace and defense workers losing their job is very simple – purchase of consumer goods goes down overnight, homes become unaffordable and the housing crisis is compounded, and so forth,” said Dr. Fuller. “The ten year defense budget cut will be felt in terms of layoffs starting in 2012, escalate and conclude by 2014,” he added. In summary, the key findings of Dr. Fuller and EMSI’s analysis based on the $1 trillion defense budget cut were as follows: Total potential job losses (direct, indirect, community) 1,006,315 Total potential aerospace/defense and supply chain job losses 352,000 Total loss of workers’ wages and salaries $59.4 billion Impact on national unemployment rate + .6% Impact on projected growth of 2013 Gross Domestic Product - 25% The analysis by Dr. Fuller and EMSI also provided a hypothetical job loss projection for the states with the largest current base of aerospace and defense workers. If the $1 trillion in defense budget cuts resulted in job losses proportional by state to the location of jobs today, the following states would be most heavily affected:   Projected Job Losses     Projected Job Losses California 125,800   Maryland 36,200 Virginia 122,800   Pennsylvania 36,200 Texas 91,600   Connecticut 34,200 Florida 39,200   Arizona 33,200 Massachusetts 38,200   Missouri 31,200 2011-10-25T19:15:44+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/student_rocketeers_wanted_for_worlds_largest_rocket_contest/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/student_rocketeers_wanted_for_worlds_largest_rocket_contest/#When:09:22:43Z Registration for the world’s largest student rocket competition is open now through November 30. The Team America Rocketry Challenge will accept up to 1,000 student teams in grades 7-12 from any U.S. school, home school or non-profit youth organization. Sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association, this year’s rocket contest challenges teams of three to 10 students to design and build a rocket that will climb to 800 feet with a payload of two raw eggs and stay aloft for 43 to 47 seconds. The eggs must then return to earth unbroken. The 2012 contest rules and registration information are available at www.rocketcontest.org. “This is an important year for the Team America Rocketry Challenge,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “We’re looking forward to an exceptionally exciting competition to mark TARC’s 10-year record of challenging students to learn more about the aerospace industry in a fun and action-packed environment.” The top 100 TARC teams will be invited to compete at the National Finals on May 12, 2012, just outside of Washington, D.C. Student participants compete for $60,000 in prizes, scholarships and a Raytheon Company-sponsored trip to the 2012 air show in Farnborough, England, for an international fly-off. More than 50,000 students have entered the competition since 2003. In a 2010 survey of TARC alumni, 92 percent of participants said they would encourage a friend to pursue a science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related career and four out of five respondents said TARC has had a positive impact on their course of study. The contest, along with other STEM programs supported by AIA members, is proving to be a catalyst for generating student interest in the aerospace and defense industry and building the skilled pipeline to replace a retiring workforce in the coming years. AIA sponsors TARC with the National Association of Rocketry, NASA, the Defense Department, the American Association of Physics Teachers, Estes Rockets, and AIA member companies. The contest is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. 2011-10-13T09:22:43+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_welcomes_carter_confirmation/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_welcomes_carter_confirmation/#When:17:50:52Z The Aerospace Industries Association welcomes the confirmation of Dr. Ashton Carter as deputy secretary of defense. Dr. Carter brings strong experience and commitment to a critical position for our national security. At a time when defense is going through a significant transition, his strong leadership is welcomed by the industry. We look forward to working with him and Secretary Panetta to ensure that we preserve the technological advantage that our troops rely on as tough choices are made. 2011-09-23T17:50:52+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_launches_second_to_none_campaign/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_launches_second_to_none_campaign/#When:14:53:30Z The Aerospace Industries Association is launching a new campaign to provide information about the industry, potential job losses and national security risks while budgets are being eyed for sweeping reductions. The campaign, titled Second to None, is a public education initiative aimed at ensuring that the U.S. aerospace and defense industry continues to lead the world. The aerospace and defense industry is a powerful contributor to the economy. According to estimates from Deloitte Development LLC, 2010 aerospace and defense employment stands at more than one million and revenues are nearly $331 billion. The Deloitte estimates place total direct employment by aerospace and defense companies at over 1 million workers. “If the cuts in the Budget Control Act are enacted, hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be lost.” said Marion C. Blakey, AIA President and CEO, “While we need to be part of the solution in addressing our nation’s debt, policymakers shouldn’t make ill-considered cuts that would jeopardize our national and economic security.” Aerospace and defense supports 2.9 million jobs according to an analysis done for AIA by Barr Group Aerospace. And Secretary of Defense Panetta has warned that the $600 billion cut required under sequestration would have “devastating effects on our national security.” In addition, cuts to NASA and the FAA are threatening our competitiveness in space and ability to lead in the development of the Next Generation Air Transportation System. “The world remains a dangerous place and our troops are stretched across the globe,” said Blakey. “Now more than ever we need the technologies and programs developed and manufactured by the industry to keep Americans at home and abroad safe, fix our aviation infrastructure and keep the United States a leader in space. “ “The aerospace and defense industry has already absorbed $450-$480 billion in budget cuts. Further budget cuts to defense would be catastrophic,” said Blakey. For more information, visit www.SecondToNone.org. 2011-09-22T14:53:30+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_welcomes_nasas_space_launch_system_announcement/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_welcomes_nasas_space_launch_system_announcement/#When:14:54:47Z NASA’s announcement of the Space Launch System development plan is a bold and welcome development in these troubling times. Even as our economy struggles to recover from recession, the plan is a ray of hope that America’s belief in a better future endures and America’s continued leadership in space exploration can be preserved. The NASA decision to initiate a competition—with bipartisan support from both houses of Congress—is encouraging and will hopefully assure that the breadth of our nation’s aerospace industry will have an opportunity to contribute their innovative ideas to the program’s success. I am particularly pleased that NASA’s announcement coincided with AIA’s celebration of National Aerospace Week commemorating our nation’s aerospace achievements. While we work to reduce the federal budget deficit, it’s vital that we continue investing in research and development—the only way our nation will grow its economy in the future. It will also demonstrate to our nation’s young people that even though the space shuttle has been retired, our commitment to future exploration continues. To be a part of it, they will need to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees. These investments are essential if we are to continue into the 21st Century as “Second to None” 2011-09-15T14:54:47+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_will_present_2011_wings_of_liberty_award_to_senator_patty_murray/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_will_present_2011_wings_of_liberty_award_to_senator_patty_murray/#When:14:51:58Z The Aerospace Industries Association will present Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) with the prestigious Wings of Liberty Award September 13, in recognition of her longtime support of the aerospace and defense industry. Senator Murray is a founding co-chair of the Senate Aerospace Caucus, where she continues to call attention to the important issues facing the nation’s transportation infrastructure and the U.S. aerospace industry. She chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies. “Senator Murray knows the value of the aerospace and defense industry and how its nearly $331 billion in sales contribute to our nation’s economy,” said Jim Albaugh, chairman of the AIA Board of Governors. “A great supporter of our troops, Senator Murray understands the importance of ensuring that they have the best equipment in the world.” Albaugh is president and CEO of Commercial Airplanes at the Boeing Company. “It will be an honor to present Senator Murray with the aerospace industry’s highest award,” added AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “Her knowledge, experience and dedication to her constituents and the aerospace industry deserve great respect and recognition.” Murray serves the people of Washington State on the Senate’s Appropriations, Veteran’s Affairs, Budget and HELP Committees. The Wings of Liberty award is presented annually to a member of Congress who has made significant contributions to help bolster aerospace and national defense. The award, which embodies the spirit of America and the drive to achieve any dream, will be made at a reception on Capitol Hill, one of several events celebrating National Aerospace Week. Past honorees include Rep. Norm Dicks, Senator Daniel Inouye, former Transportation Secretary and U.S. Rep. Norman Mineta, Rep. Donald Manzullo, Sen. John Warner and Sen. Jay Rockefeller. 2011-09-13T14:51:58+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aerospace_ceos_to_speak_out_on_jobs_national_security_and_the_debt_supercommittee/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aerospace_ceos_to_speak_out_on_jobs_national_security_and_the_debt_supercommittee/#When:15:40:19Z The Aerospace Industries Association and leading industry CEOs are holding a press conference Wednesday September 14 on the devastating job losses, national security threats and infrastructure implications that would result from budget cuts put in motion by this summer's debt-ceiling deal. AIA and the CEOs of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Pratt & Whitney and other firms will address the long-term costs that another round of major cuts would have on the defense capabilities, industrial workforce, and America’s legacy of innovation in space and civil aviation leadership. Who: AIA Chairman James F. Albaugh, President & Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Airplanes, The Boeing Company AIA Vice Chairman David P. Hess, President, Pratt & Whitney, United Technologies Corporation Marion C. Blakey, AIA President and CEO Charles A. Gray, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Frontier Electronic Systems Dawne S. Hickton, Vice Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer, RTI International Metals, Inc. Richard L. McNeel, Chairman, President & CEO of LORD Corporation What: Press briefing discussing the devastating impact on aerospace and defense jobs resulting from further defense cuts. When: Wednesday, September 14. Doors open at 9:45am and the briefing will begin at 10:00am. Where: The Holeman Lounge at the National Press Club Please RSVP to Dan Stohr at dan.stohr@aia-aerospace.org or (703) 358-1078. 2011-09-12T15:40:19+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/iamaw_aia_oppose_cuts_to_aerospace_and_defense/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/iamaw_aia_oppose_cuts_to_aerospace_and_defense/#When:14:37:58Z The International Association of Machinists and the Aerospace Industries Association sent a letter to President Obama Sept. 1 urging him to preserve the aerospace and defense industry and its high-skilled workforce. “As you finalize proposals to save and create American jobs, we urge you to consider the vital role that our second to none aerospace and defense industry has played in America’s global leadership, and to keep in mind the many thousands of aerospace and defense workers that face the loss of their jobs in these difficult economic times,” the letter urged. The enormous contribution of aerospace to our national bottom line—$214.5 billion in sales and a $51.2 billion trade surplus in 2010—cannot be taken for granted, the letter argued. “Doomsday” cuts to defense, the end of the shuttle program and delays to the FAA’s Next Generation Air Transportation System all threaten America’s global leadership. At a time when Americans traditionally gather to celebrate the contributions of American labor to the economic prosperity and national security of our nation, it is notable that industry and labor stand together to urge President Obama to preserve jobs that are crucial to our security and economic well-being. The full text of the letter can be read here: http://bit.ly/q9rtxm 2011-09-02T14:37:58+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/sheller_named_vice_president_of_communications/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/sheller_named_vice_president_of_communications/#When:22:13:53Z Francis X. ‘Chip’ Sheller has joined AIA as Vice President of Communications, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the field to the position. Sheller was previously Vice President for Communications and Government Relations with Thales USA, Inc., in Arlington, Va., beginning in 2006. In this capacity he supported a range of U.S. and overseas businesses for Thales, an $18 billion aerospace and defense company. Prior to joining Thales, Sheller represented clients including Lockheed Martin Corporation, L-3 and the Nuclear Energy Institute as Senior Vice President at Hill & Knowlton, Inc. “Chip’s range of experience in all communications disciplines as well as in politics and government relations will be a tremendous asset for AIA and the industry,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “He’ll be a forceful voice for aerospace.” Sheller is a graduate of Georgetown University. For Sheller’s picture, please follow this link: http://www.aia-aerospace.org/assets/Sheller.jpg   2011-08-24T22:13:53+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/efford_joins_legislative_affairs_division/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/efford_joins_legislative_affairs_division/#When:22:12:05Z AIA has named Richard Efford as its new Assistant Vice President for Legislative Affairs. Efford brings decades of experience working for congressional committees and government relations firms to this position. For more than twenty years, Efford served as a professional staffer on the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee. He led committee staff in crafting appropriations legislation for the Transportation Department and was personally responsible for Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Coast Guard and Transportation Security Administration appropriations. He also oversaw elements of the Navy budget, including aircraft procurement, RDT&E and DARPA. “Rich’s vast experience in the halls of Congress will be tremendously valuable to our legislative affairs team,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “In particular, his knowledge of the ins and outs of the appropriations process is unsurpassed.” For his efforts on the Appropriations Committee, Efford has received the Navy Comptroller’s Meritorious Service Award, the Transportation Department’s Inspector General’s Appreciation Award and the Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award. Efford most recently was a partner at Flagship Government Relations, Inc. of Arlington, Va., where he focused on defense, homeland security and transportation issues. Efford holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the College of William & Mary and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Minnesota. He worked for four years for the U. S. General Accounting Office and the Minnesota state government after completing his graduate work. For Efford’s picture, please follow this link: http://www.aia-aerospace.org/assets/Efford.jpg 2011-08-24T22:12:05+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/national_aerospace_week_launched/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/national_aerospace_week_launched/#When:18:16:11Z Ongoing and emerging security threats, aging civil and space infrastructure, fiscal challenges and keeping and creating jobs all present our nation with enormous challenges. This year’s National Aerospace Week, an event established by Congress, will focus on informing the debate over choices our government will make in the coming months. The aerospace and defense industry is the lifeblood of America’s industrial base, employing approximately 800,000 workers directly, and supporting more than 2 million middle-class jobs in related fields. More than 30,000 suppliers in the industry provide high-skill, high-paying jobs in all 50 states. For nearly a century, the aerospace and defense industry has produced the kind of cutting edge technologies and quality jobs that have driven American innovation and economic prosperity. The tagline for this year’s celebration is Second to None, which captures the unquestioned leadership of the industry and the people who work in it. “Since the Wright Brothers and the dawn of flight, the contribution aerospace has made to America has been a true national treasure,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “We are the world’s leader in aerospace and the men and women who provide the backbone of our economy and national security are truly Second to None.” A series of activities in Washington, D.C. and across the country are being planned. Events hosted by businesses and communities for both youth and adults will showcase the industry’s role in the future high-tech workforce of America and in creating and sustaining high-paying jobs across the country. For more information on National Aerospace Week and the benefits the industry brings to the nation and economy, visit www.NationalAerospaceWeek.org and www.SecondtoNone.org. 2011-08-22T18:16:11+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_congratulates_caafi_on_williams_trophy_award/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_congratulates_caafi_on_williams_trophy_award/#When:00:42:37Z The Aerospace Industries Association congratulates the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative team on being selected to receive the 2011 Williams Trophy. Richard L. Altman and the CAAFI team are a significant force in advancing commercially sustainable biofuels. The aviation industry’s environmental track record is notable. Today’s commercial aircraft are 70 percent more fuel efficient than jet aircraft of the 1960s. Sustainable biofuels have the potential to be 80 percent more fuel efficient than fossil fuels, which means that sustainable aviation biofuels will contribute 80 percent less CO2 on a lifecycle basis than fossil fuels. Commercially viable sustainable alternative aviation fuel is critical to meeting the global civil aviation industry’s commitment to cut CO2 emissions in half by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. The trophy, which will be presented later this year by the Washington Airports Task Force, is awarded annually to recognize those whose leadership, vision and dedication in the application of aviation or space has enriched the quality of life on earth. 2011-08-19T00:42:37+00:00 http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_encouraged_by_faa_extension/ http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/aia_news/aia_encouraged_by_faa_extension/#When:22:51:00Z The Aerospace Industries Association is encouraged by passage of a FAA reauthorization extension today. “We’re relieved Congress has extended FAA’s operations,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “This will allow critical work to continue while Congress debates full reauthorization.” The expiration of the previous extension resulted in furloughs to 4,000 FAA employees, stop work orders to approximately 70,000 construction workers and lost revenues exceeding $380 million. “We’re very glad that Congress has decided to put Americans back to work,” Blakey said. “We urge them to take advantage of this spirit of compromise to pass a full reauthorization bill when Congress returns in September.” 2011-08-05T22:51:00+00:00