NIA and FAA Launch the 2022 FAA Challenge: Smart Connected Aviation Student Competition
On Sept. 30, 2021, the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched the 2022 FAA Challenge: Smart Connected Aviation Student Competition. Open to undergraduate and graduate students of U.S.-based colleges and universities, the competition recognizes students with the ability to demonstrate innovative thinking focused on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of smart technology in and around the airport environment while enhancing the overall traveling experience.
The FAA is developing a vision for an info-centric National Airspace System (NAS). Full connectivity will come from infrastructure supporting NAS operations that enable all systems to share data. This ubiquitous system-to-system communication can be used to share location and intent information across vehicles, subsystems, and Air Traffic Management stakeholders from airspace users to airports. This year’s Challenge seeks innovative ideas from the academic community that take advantage of a future info-centric NAS (including connected aircraft) that will benefit NAS users in four categories:
- Commercial Air Transportation
- General Aviation
- Emerging Operations
- Traveling Public
Four Finalist Teams will receive a $10,000 development award and a monetary travel stipend to facilitate full participation in the FAA Challenge Forum to be held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The overall winner of the Challenge will receive an additional $15,000 cash prize.
Expressions of Interest are due October 15, 2021, with Project Plan Proposals due Jan. 20, 2022.
For full details about this year’s Challenge, please visit the FAA Challenge Website at https://faachallenge.nianet.org.