FAA Airworthiness Assurance Center of Excellence

The FAA established the Airworthiness Assurance Center of Excellence (AACE) in September 1997. The initial award was made under a cooperative agreement, FAA Grant No. 97-C-0001, for a Phase I, three-year period. The Avionics Engineering Center participated in the AACE as an affiliate member during Phase I.

AACE organizational structure was modified for Phase II. Under the umbrella of a new 3-year cooperative agreement, the FAA Technical Center awards multiple grants and/or contracts directly to core member universities. AEC transitioned to a core member university in Phase II.

Goals

The motivation for the establishing the Center of Excellence may be summarized as follows:

• Establish core competency in disciplines relating to aircraft safety,
• Facilitate the initiation and execution of projects in support of aircraft safety,
• Establish synergistic relationships with industry and the aviation community,
• Ensure the maximum return on investment possible by leveraging other resources.