William J. Hughes Technical Center

Welcome to the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center

The FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center is the world’s premier aviation research and development, and test and evaluation facility. The Technical Center serves as the national scientific test base for the FAA. Technical Center programs include research and development, test and evaluation, and verification and validation 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. Through a series of initiatives know collectively as NextGen, the Technical Center is helping to shape the Next Generation Air Transportation System.

Located 10 miles northwest of Atlantic City, and covering over 5,000 acres, the Technical Center consists of state-of-the art laboratories, test facilities, support facilities, the Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), and a non-commercial aircraft hangar. The Technical Center is also home to the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Lab, and the United States Coast Guard Group Air Station Atlantic City, as well as the New Jersey Air National Guard 177th Fighter Wing. While the Technical Center serves to advance aviation, it is a key focal point for Homeland Security as well.

With 50 years of achievement and excellence, the Technical Center continues to serve as the cornerstone for aviation innovation across the globe.

Discover the wonders of aviation at the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center.

Dr. Wilson N. Felder
Center Director