In addition to the PEGASAS Center of Excel­lence, our focus for this issue, five other COEs are active. Since virtually everything in the aviation research field is connected, allow me to introduce the neighbors in this “COE-mmunity.”

COE for Technical Training and Human Performance

Established in 2016 and sponsored by the FAA Office of Safety and Technical Training, the TTHP COE focuses on Curriculum Architecture, Content Management and Delivery, Simulation and Part Task Training, Human Factors, Analytics, Safety, and Pro­gram Management.

For more information: www.coetthp.org.

COE for Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Established in 2015 and sponsored by the FAA Office of Environment and Energy, the COE for UAS is researching Air Traffic Integration, Airwor­thiness, Control and Communication, Detect and Avoid (DAA), Human Factors, and Low Altitude Operations Safety.

For more information: www.assureuas.org.

COE for Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment (AJFE)

Also sponsored by the FAA Office of Envi­ronment and Energy, the AJFE COE got its start in 2013. The scope of its work includes Alternative Jet Fuels (e.g., Feedstock Develop­ment, Processing and Conversion, Regional Supply and Refining Infrastructure, Environ­mental Benefits Analysis, Aircraft Component Deterioration and Wear, Fuel Performance Testing); and Environment (e.g., Aircraft Noise and Impacts, Aviation Emissions and Impacts, Aircraft Technology Assessment, Environmentally and Energy Efficient Gate-to-Gate Aircraft Operations, Aviation Model­ing and Analysis).

For more information: http://ascent.aero.

Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation (CST)

Since 2010, the COE for Commercial Space Transportation has focused its research on space traffic management and operations; space transportation operations, technologies and payload; human space flight; and space trans­portation industry viability. Its FAA sponsor is the Office of Commercial Space Transportation.

For more information: www.coe-cst.org.

Joint Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials (JAMS)

JAMS is the only COE involving a joint effort, which involves the Center of Excellence for Compos­ite and Advanced Materials (CECAM) and the Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials in Transport Aircraft Structures (AMTAS). Established in 2004, its FAA sponsor is the Office of Airport and Aircraft Safety R&D Division. The main focus of JAMS is the research, engineering, and development of informa­tion used to assure safety and standardize certifica­tion of existing and emerging structural applications of composites and advanced materials. Specifically, projects include the evaluation of past applications, performance of applied research, and the develop­ment of standard engineering practices.

For more information: www.jams-coe.org.  (FAA Safety Briefing – MayJun2018)