FAA Aviation Research Grants Program

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urges interested parties to submit applications for its Aviation Research Grants Program. The program centers around meeting the short-term technical requirements and encouraging long-term growth within civil aviation. There is potential for cooperative agreements in addition to grants under this funding program.

The eligibility of an applicant hinges on the nature of the proposing organization and the type of research proposed. Generally, entities such as colleges, universities, and other non-profit research institutions, that come under Section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code, are encouraged to apply.

The objective of the FAA Aviation Research Grants Program is to inspire and back research that is innovative and advanced. It aims to benefit the long-term growth of civil aviation and commercial space transportation in the future. The investigation into, and application of, multiple scientific engineering disciplines and emerging technologies will contribute to achieving this goal.

The program also seeks to promote applied research and development to boost technology adaptation, transfer, and development within the FAA. However, there's no obligation to immediately apply to Research and Development (R&D) programs, although it does happen in some cases.

Applications across a wide range of scientific disciplines are welcome, including physical, chemical, biological, medical, psychological, mathematical, and engineering sciences. Some key areas of interest include capacity and air traffic control technology, communications, navigation and surveillance, aviation weather, airports, aircraft safety technology, human factors and aviation medicine, and systems science/operations research.

More details can be found in the FAA's Notice of Funding Opportunity 20-01 and any associated attachments.