Goals and Objectives
The FAA Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT) is dedicated to advancing innovative aviation technologies while ensuring their safe and responsible integration into the National Airspace System. Led by the Texas A&M University System, CAAT serves as a national hub for research, testing, and collaboration-bridging government, academia, and industry to move emerging aviation concepts from development to real-world operations. Through rigorous testing, data-driven insight, and workforce development, CAAT supports American innovation, public safety, and long-term economic growth.
- Advance Aviation Innovation: Support the development and maturation of emerging aviation technologies, including unmanned aircraft systems, advanced air mobility, and powered-lift aircraft.
- Ensure Safe NAS Integration: Enable the safe, secure, and efficient integration of advanced aviation technologies into the National Airspace System through comprehensive testing and validation.
- Operate National Test Infrastructure: Establish and operate FAA-mandated airspace laboratories, flight demonstration zones, and testing corridors to support real-world evaluation and deployment.
- Enable Data-Driven FAA Decision-Making: Generate high-quality operational data to inform FAA certification, regulatory frameworks, and policy development, including UAS Traffic Management (UTM).
- Bridge Research to Operations: Accelerate the transition of innovative technologies from research environments to commercial, public safety, and community-serving applications.
- Foster Collaboration: Serve as a national collaboration hub connecting federal agencies, academic institutions, industry partners, and communities.
- Promote Safety & Public Trust: Advance transparency, safety, and public confidence in shared airspace operations.
- Develop the Aviation Workforce: Prepare the next generation of aviation and autonomy professionals through education, training, and hands-on research.
- Drive Economic Growth: Enable new industries, create high-paying jobs, and strengthen regional and national economies.