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Aerospace Industry Urges Congressional Support for Science, Math Education Initiatives

Arlington, Va. - AIA co-signed several letters sent this week urging congressional leaders to strengthen math and science education by fully funding federal scientific research and education initiatives like the Education Department's Math and Science Partnerships program.

Sent by the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Coalition to President Bush as well as to House and Senate leaders, the letters ask for continued financial support for these educational initiatives. The coalition is a group of diverse organizations representing all sectors of the technological workforce.

"Federal funding for math and science programs is a vital part of our nation's commitment to education," AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey said. "With a growing percentage of aerospace workers eligible to retire, AIA is committed to working with Congress and our partners to fill the workforce pipeline with talent for all critical U.S. industries."

Soaring Above Traffic In a Flying Car Sooner Than You Think

The flying car has been a dream pursued by inventors since the dawn of aviation and a fantasy long held by commuters wishing they could soar above traffic like George Jetson.

Engineers and eccentrics have patented more than 70 designs since 1918, and even the U.S. government and Henry Ford tried to build flying cars. But success has been elusive, the challenge too great, and such machines have remained the stuff of science fiction.

Until now.

An aeronautical startup called Terrafugia has developed a small airplane called the Transition that it says can take to the sky as easily as the road. It is about the size of a large SUV and features innovative folding wings that collapse with the press of a button. Terrafugia calls it a "personal air vehicle."