History
A half-century after Orville and Wilbur Wright made their first successful flight, President Eisenhower signed legislation creating the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA), on August 23, 1958. The FAA was given dual responsibilities: to provide for the safe and efficient use of airspace by civilian and military aircraft, and to regulate and promote civil aviation. By creating an agency to ensure safe skies, the President also helped usher in the Jet Age.
Celebrating a golden anniversary is important. Strengthening the historical foundation of FAA provides a natural springboard, into the future, toward that excellence which has been our cornerstone for so long. Through anniversary events and publications, we share the historical significance of our past and initiate a conversation, among ourselves and others, as to how our history and achievements helped shape aviation’s present and beyond.
With the twin goals of reflecting on our history and celebrating our contributions, a William J. Hughes Technical Center retiree banquet was held on January 30, 2008. This was followed by a celebration at the Technical Center, on July 1, to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the National Aviation Facilities Experimental Center (NAFEC), now known as the William J. Hughes Technical Center. On August 20 FAA and the Center participated in the Atlantic City Airshow, including a legacy flight by the agency’s DC-3. Our celebration will culminate in a gala banquet, which is open to all employees, retirees and friends of the Center, on October 30, 2008.
The William J. Hughes Technical Center proudly recognizes FAA’s role in regulating our nation’s skies and serving as an international leader in aviation. We are proud of the significant contributions of our workforce to every aspect of aviation, for more than five decades; and the fact that our nation is enjoying the safest period in civil aviation history.
Looking toward the future, this anniversary reminds each FAA employee to recommit to continuing FAA’s legacy of aviation safety and excellence during the next 50 years.
