NASA and FAA Team to Encourage Aviation and Space Careers

May 9, 2007

Sonja Alexander
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1761

Tammy Jones
FAA Headquarters, Washington
202-267-3883

RELEASE: 07-107

NASA AND FAA TEAM TO ENCOURAGE AVIATION AND SPACE CAREERS

WASHINGTON - NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today
signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster the development of
students' skills in science, technology, engineering and math. The
agreement supports the FAA's mission to provide the safest, most
efficient aerospace system in the world and NASA's mission to pioneer
the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics
research.

"This is a perfect example of collaboration that complements and
supports each organization's educational goals," said Dr. Joyce
Winterton, NASA associate administrator for Education, Headquarters,
Washington. "Joint outreach efforts like this will contribute to NASA
and FAA goals for a diverse, qualified aviation and space workforce
for the future."

The partnership includes a broad range of cooperative outreach
activities. The agencies' initial focus is on a NASA curriculum
called "Smart Skies." Smart Skies is an online air traffic control
simulator for students in fifth through ninth grades. It offers a fun
and exciting way to learn math and skills central to air traffic
control while providing multiple modes of problem solving for
students who learn in different ways.

The agreement unites the strengths of both agencies to provide the
best of aviation-related educational products and experiences to the
widest possible population of students and educators.

"The synergy of this relationship will promote joint endeavors that
motivate students to further develop their skills for careers in
aviation and aerospace," said Ruth Leverenz, FAA associate
administrator for Region and Center Operations, Washington.

Smart Skies' unique approach also exposes students to high-technology
careers related to aviation. NASA developed the program with help
from air traffic controllers at FAA's Oakland, Calif., facility.

For more information about Smart Skies, visit:

http://www.atcsim.nasa.gov

For information about NASA educational programs, visit:

http://education.nasa.gov

-end-

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