Center Played Key Role In ATC Modernization, Aviation Safety

The Federal Aviation Administration’s William J. Hughes Technical Center will celebrate its Golden anniversary of 50 years on July 1 with a ceremony at its Atlantic City International Airport facilities in New Jersey.

The William J. Hughes Technical Center is the national scientific test base for the FAA and is responsible for aviation research and development, and test and evaluation activities. Technical Center programs include testing and evaluation in air traffic control, communications, navigation, airports, aircraft safety, and security. They also include long-range development of innovative aviation systems and concepts, development of new air traffic control equipment and software, and modification of existing systems and procedures.

The Technical Center began operations as the National Aviation Facilities Experimental Center on July 1, 1958. During the next 50 years, the center played a key role in creating the nation’s modern air traffic control system. Over the years, it has served as the core facility for modernizing the air traffic control system and for advancing programs to enhance aviation safety in all stages of flight.

The anniversary ceremony will start at 1000 Tuesday morning in the technical building atrium. The keynote speaker will be ATO Senior Vice President for NextGen and Operations Planning Victoria Cox. Special guests will include Ambassador William J. “Bill” Hughes, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson, and many other local officials.

The nationally acclaimed United States Marine Forces Reserve Band, based in Quantico, Virginia will perform during the program, and Technical Center Director Dr. Wilson Felder will recognize the military veterans and volunteers who served at Naval Air Station Atlantic City, who are present.

FMI: www.faa.gov