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Speech

Collier Trophy

Leave it to a fellow Naval Commander to know just what to say. Jonathan, I really appreciate those kind words, thank you.

It’s great to be here this evening with every facet of the aviation community.

I just have to say what a tremendous honor the Collier is, especially coming in the year when the FAA and NASA turn 50 years old. When you’re mentioned in the same sentence as the Yeagers and Glenn Curtiss’ of the world, you know you’re doing something right.

Yeah, the FAA’s taken some lumps in the press lately for some things that have gone wrong. But we also need to recognize that we do some things right too. And I can’t think of a stronger, more forceful statement to make that we are doing things right than putting the trophy in our lobby for all to see.

This evening is the culmination of a long journey that began, as Jonathan pointed out a minute ago, way back in 1995.    

And today, the technology is spreading. Around the world — Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many others are embracing ADS-B, the future of air traffic management.

With ADS-B, the possibilities are all there. Look what’s happening at UPS. They were one of the earliest adopters, and they’ve seen a 30 percent reduction in noise and a 34 percent reduction in emissions.

And, they’re seeing less fuel burn. It ranges from as low as 250 pounds to as much as 465 pounds per flight.

Where’s Bob Lekites? Bob, as the President of UPS, I want to thank you and your company for putting ADS-B to the test. UPS — Captain Bob Hill and Captain Karen Lee — proved that ADS-B works. You took the risks, and now you’re reaping the rewards.

The Cargo Airline Association was also a true believer. So were FedEx, United Airlines, and Captain Rocky Stone.

Alaska is another success story for the FAA. Capstone has helped prove the capabilities of this technology while reducing the fatal accident rate by something like 40 percent.

Today, the FAA is working in close quarters with Alaska’s governor and the local aviation community to help them equip with the proper avionics. The governor’s making up to $4.5 million in state money available for loans, while the FAA handles the infrastructure.

I want to express my appreciation and admiration to all 25 members who stood up ADS-B. They were the ones who took this project from the drawing board to the cockpit.

We see first-hand tonight what collaboration and partnership between government and industry can do. And, it’s important to maintain those relationships.

Let me wrap up by particularly thanking the FAA team. It’s been a privilege and an honor to be working with you over the last five years. You’ve proved once again that we are the international gold standard.

Thank you.