Senator Andrews: Is the increasing importance of airway science strictly an American phenomenon, or does this reflect a global situation?

Response: There is an increasing and critical global importance of airway science not only for our nation's airports and airways systems but there is a great potential for exporting our air traffic control system and engineering technology to developing countries. This market in Africa, the Near East, Mexico, Latin America, and the Pacific Basin countries is developing rapidly as they move forward in building airports, air transportation, and air traffic control systems in their respective countries.

Senator Andrews: What do you see to be the role of the United States in the development of airway science vis-a-vis foreign, and especially developing countries?

Response: The United States must prepare to move boldly toward assuming a more positive role in staying "ahead of the curve" in the aviation and computer technology field. We have traditionally had the reputation of being a leader in aviation and airway system technology. Other countries of Europe and Japan are intensifying their commitment to aerospace and aviation technology and will in turn be more aggressive in pursuing the sale of their new technology products to the developing countries' market. The airway and related computer science educational commitment of the FAA must be fulfilled and assured so that those universities, colleges and higher education institutions can look forward to the required facilities and equipment funding needed to carry out our airway science curriculum objectives. This is of particular importance to those institutions who have demonstrated an interest in and commitment to the FAA's airway science program.

Senator Andrews: Please submit for the record the recent proclamation concerning the air and space bicentennial, along with a list of the members, objectives, and other pertinent facts pertaining to the bicentennial. Also include whatever commitments or other proposals which have been made by the FAA regarding the bicentennial, with specific reference to any dollar amounts or use of personnel.

Response: Attached you will find information you requested relating to the Air and Space Bicentennial information we obtained from the United States Organizing Committee, a private corporation. Also attached is the proclamation issued by President Reagan declaring 1983 the year of the Air and Space Bicentennial in the United

States.

we

While the Federal Aviation Administration strongly supports the objectives of the USOC -- to celebrate and commemorate mankind's entry into the era of flight currently have no commitments with the USOC beyond providing whatever support and encouragement we can, consistent with the mandate of the Federal Aviation Administration and budgetary considerations.

The FAA is

considering possible budget proposals and, with the concurrence of Secretary of Commerce Baldridge and NASA Administrator Beggs, would administer a small fund to support the Bicentennial effort. We believe that the Bicentennial year, which actually will run through June 24, 1984, the Bicentennial of the first American flight in a balloon, will have a stimulative effect in promoting the U.S. Aerospace industry and U.S. preeminence in that industry. It is for these reasons that we want to do all we can to encourage the U.S. celebration of the event.

To date, the FAA has no staff specifically assigned to Bicentennial efforts, other than my designation of Edmund Pinto, Assistant Administrator for Public Affairs, to be the FAA's liaison with the USOC. In that capacity he has attended numerous meetings and participated in discussions of programs that the USOC might undertake.

[CLERK'S NOTE.-The document referred to is available for inspection in the subcommittee files.]

WORK FORCE REQUIREMENTS

Senator Andrews: What estimates do you have of the number of qualified people that will be required in the work force of the entire aviation and aerospace industry, including the FAA, to meet the emerging requirements of a modernized airspace system?

Response: While we are not in a position to venture a guess as to future industry work force needs, our own plans in the FAA are to hire at an annual replacement level of about 2,000 in our major technical specialty areas, about 25% of which we expect will consist of graduates of college and university airway science degree prograns.

FUNDING ASSISTANCE TO HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Senator Andrews: The FAA has stated on a number of occasions that in order to meet the domestic and international objectives of aviation and airway science, it will be necessary that funding be made available to higher education institutions which have demonstrated the capability and commitment to the improvement of air science. Do you have any ideas on how this might best be achieved? What would be your reaction to a demonstration grant program in this regard?

Response: It is our belief that it is the responsibility of this nations' colleges and universities to provide appropriate educational opportunities and programs to meet the needs of both the aviation industry and the FAA. While we in the FAA hope to create an attractive job market and persuade higher education institutions to produce appropriately qualified graduates for our needs, we feel it best to rely on the private sector or state and local government to assist with financing the establishment and operation of such

programs.

Senator Andrews: Please submit for the record the appropriate bill language which would be necessary to establish such a demonstration program.

Response: bill language.

We will be happy to provide the committee with draft
It will be forwarded, under separate cover, as soon

as it is prepared.

QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY SENATOR D'AMATO

FLIGHT SERVICE STATION CONSOLIDATION

Senator D'Amato: Mr. Helms, the flight service stations throughout this nation provide essential services to the general aviation community, such as accepting flight plans, disseminating aviation weather information and assisting pilots in distress.

Both the original and revised National Air Space System Plan propose a consolidation of the 317 flight service stations in the nation into 61 Automated Flight Service Stations (AFSSs). It is my understanding that the FAA has begun the process of consolidation.

A February 16th GAO Report raises some serious questions as to this proposal. First, the report questions the degree of acceptance among general aviation pilots of the automated flight services the new stations would offer.

Has the FAA done more recent study than the 1976 study alluded to in the GAO Report, respecting the acceptance among general aviation pilots of automated flight service stations?

If so, what were the findings of this study?

What were the findings of the 1976 study?

Response: Yes we have collected some additional information regarding user acceptabilities of automation techniques.

Information collected in association with the test Voice Response System (VRS) currently operating in Columbus, Ohio and Washington, D.C. indicates significant user acceptability of automation techniques. The two most repeated questions voiced by users are "when will additional products be added?" and, "when will FAA implement such service nationwide?". As indicated earlier we plan to update this area in the near future with regard to user operated terminal availability and cost.

We expect 70% of the Flight Service Automation System (FSAS) demand will be satisfied through direct access devices with approximately 40% accomplished via terminals and 30% satisfied through VRS. These percentages are based on engineering estimates and operational considerations regarding the capabilities of each mode of access. For example, pilot access by terminals, even non-graphics devices, can provide all data necessary for a complete briefing and flight plan filing. VRS on the other hand can provide sufficient data for VFR, local and some itinerant briefings and has been demonstrated to reduce the time a pilot must spend with a specialist. These utilization concepts have been combined with data available from the existing system and formulated into engineering estimates. For example, at FSS's where a transcribed broadcast today is kept current and contains all the products