The FAA has selected teams from the University of Oklahoma and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) to lead the new Air Transportation Center of Excellence focused on Technical Training and Human Performance (COE TTHP). The COE will conduct technical training research and development for air traffic controllers, aviation safety inspectors, engineers, pilots and technicians, as well as advancements in airspace and airport planning and design.
The agency’s COE program represents a long-term, cost-sharing partnership between academia, industry and government authorized by Congress under the FAA’s 1990 Research, Engineering and Development Authorization Act. Teams from Oklahoma and ERAU already operate renowned collegiate aviation-related education programs, as well as own and operate their own aircraft and airports. Principal university investigators will conduct the research with the help of senior faculty as well as graduate and undergraduate students.
This latest partnership, one of 13 Centers of Excellence, is expected to be fully operational and engaged in robust research within the next few months.
