House Approves Funding For MTSU’s Science, Aviation Efforts

July 30, 2007, MURFREESBORO – The U.S. House of Representatives approved federal funding to help Middle Tennessee State University boost its science education and aerospace efforts by completing its new observatory and conducting research to better train air traffic controllers and pilots, announced U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon.

“MTSU’s top-notch community outreach and research programs will get a boost from this funding,” said Gordon, chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology. “The research into air traffic control training methods could result in less congestion in our skies, and the observatory is already proving to be a great asset for the community.”

Funding for both efforts was approved as part of an annual appropriations bill for NASA. The Senate must now approve the funding.

The legislation includes $100,000 for MTSU to fully equip its observatory complex, which is located in the area between Peck Hall and Cope Administration Building. Previous funding secured by Gordon enabled the university to create its naked eye observatory, which allows visitors to locate astronomical objects or track the motion of the sun by using 12 uniformly spaced columns as pointers.

Joe Bales, MTSU’s vice president for development and university relations, said the university would use these funds for additional equipment to go into the building that will house the university’s telescope. Construction is underway now on a plaza that will connect the telescope to the observatory.

“This will be an asset for the university as well as the community,” said Bales. “The observatory is already being used by the public and by school groups, and we will be able to add to the experience by hosting community viewings and educational programs at the telescope complex.”

The bill also included $500,000 to enable MTSU to conduct research to determine the best methods to train air traffic controllers and pilots to use the next generation of technology.

“To combat the air traffic congestion that is plaguing many urban areas, new technology is being developed that could result in safer, less congested skies,” said Gordon. “Having well-trained air traffic controllers and pilots is paramount to keeping our skies safe. MTSU can help to ensure they receive the best training in the newest technology.”

MTSU is one of only 14 universities across the country that participates in the Federal Aviation Administration’s program designed to train air traffic controllers. About 150 students are enrolled in the program at MTSU.
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The FAA currently employees more than 14,000 air traffic controllers, but 72 percent of them will become eligible for retirement over the next decade.

“Because of MTSU’s participation in the FAA program, MTSU is in a unique position to conduct research here to the benefit of air traffic controllers, pilots and travelers across the nation,” said Bales.