AIAA and AIA Hold Aerospace R&D Briefing on Capitol Hill Written 13 October 2017

On 26 September, AIAA joined the Aerospace Industries Association to sponsor a congressional briefing highlighting the importance of sufficient and sustained aerospace R&D investments. Approximately 80 congressional staff members attended the briefing that addressed important questions, such as how our national and economic security are threatened when investments in aerospace R&D are insufficient, and what government must do to ensure that the United States maintains its aerospace preeminence. No specific programs or priorities were promoted. The House Aerospace Caucus served as the briefing host.

Speakers included:

• Dr. Mike Gazarik, Vice President of Engineering, Ball Aerospace
• Dr. John Langford, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation
  President-Elect, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Dr. Darryll Pines, Dean, Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland-College Park
• Mr. Anthony Velocci  (Moderator), Former Editor-in-Chief, Aviation Week and Space Technology