October 2008

Capitalizing on its strength in aerospace engineering and participation in a recent multi-year, multi-million dollar grant from the State of Florida, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University today announced the establishment of a Center of Excellence as part of its College of Engineering. The center will be devoted to advanced research in aeronautics and propulsion systems.

Embry-Riddle is part of a consortium of four universities-Florida State University, University of Central Florida, and University of Florida- that was awarded a three-year $14.5 million grant in July to establish the Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion (FCAAP). These universities will work collaboratively to develop innovative next-generation technologies for aerospace and aviation commercial use and build closer working relationships with industry leaders.

Dr. Reda (Ray) Mankbadi, a distinguished professor of aerospace engineering for Embry-Riddle's College of Engineering, has been tapped to direct the Center's research programs and coordinate its work with FSU and other university partners and researchers.

"This program is an exciting and excellent opportunity to enable Embry-Riddle's faculty and Ph.D. candidates to demonstrate our expertise in aerospace engineering," said Dr. Christina Frederick-Recascino, vice president for research at Embry-Riddle.

Barry Hyde ('07, DB; pictured at right in photo by Justin Yurkanin) the first and only blind student ever to graduate from Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus with a Master of Science in Aeronautics degree, was awarded the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Foundation - GAMA scholarship. The GAMA scholarship assists high-caliber individuals in obtaining the education needed to become effective leaders in the aviation industry.

The scholarship will help Hyde continue his pursuit of a Ph.D. in Aeronautical Specializations from Northcentral University.

This is only one of Hyde's many astounding achievements in the face of great adversity. Right on the verge of his dream career of airline pilot, Hyde lost his sight and sustained life-threatening injuries as a passenger in a 1998 plane crash. "I was pronounced DOA when airlifted from the crash site," Hyde recalled.

But that harrowing experience didn't stop Hyde from pursuing his dreams. "After two years of recovery and rehabilitation, I began studying for several aviation licenses," Hyde said. "And in 2000, I passed the Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) and Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) tests. The FAA has confirmed that I am the first and only blind person in the world to hold these certifications."

Hyde hopes his experience will inspire others to persevere in spite of seemingly impossible challenges. "I want to be a role model that disabled people can look up to and know there are no limits to what a disabled person can achieve," Hyde said.

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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will demonstrate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) its progress in developing air traffic control tools capable of reducing weather-related flight delays, reducing aircraft fuel consumption, and improving the efficiency of flight operations.

Along with research partners Lockheed Martin, Computer Sciences Corp., Boeing, ENSCO, and Mosaic ATM, the demonstration will show how current and forecasted weather information can be successfully integrated into the FAA's traffic management and en route automation systems, located in FAA centers and major airports around the country.

"The key to realizing the benefits of NextGen is to have all systems talking to one another and integrated under a systemwide information management system," said Dr. Christina Frederick-Recascino, Embry-Riddle's vice president for research.

The demonstration will illustrate how integrating weather with traffic information throughout the national airspace system allows controllers to reroute aircraft efficiently and quickly around thunderstorms and other forecasted severe weather. The new system will result in fewer disruptions and delays in the air and at airports, which means travelers will have shorter waits and jetliners will burn less fuel. Read the complete story.

Phil Boyer, President of AOPA, presents a $30,000 check to Dr. Johnson on behalf of the ERAU alumni that are also members of AOPA. The funds will be used for scholarships for ERAU students and brings the total to more than $200,000 that has been donated to help students. AOPA has more than 6,800 Embry-Riddle alumni among its membership. For more information about AOPA, visit: www.aopa.org.

The Fall 2008 issue of the Wings of Legacy newsletter is now available online. Published by the Heritage Project and Planned Giving Office, Wings of Legacy is for alumni and friends who have an interest in preserving Embry-Riddle's past and preparing our future..Get issue

In Memory

Capt. John Anthony "Jack" Fidel, Former Embry-Riddle Provost and Executive Vice President

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