U.S. encourages aviation and space careers

WASHINGTON, May 9 (UPI) -- NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration have agreed to cooperate in developing U.S. students' skills in science, technology, engineering and math.

The agreement signed Wednesday supports the FAA's mission to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's mission to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research.

"This is a perfect example of collaboration that complements and supports each organization's educational goals," said Joyce Winterton, NASA associate administrator for education. "Joint outreach efforts like this will contribute to NASA and FAA goals for a diverse, qualified aviation and space workforce for the future."

The agencies' initial focus is on a NASA curriculum called "Smart Skies -- an online air traffic control simulator for students in fifth through ninth grades that offers a fun way to learn math and skills central to air traffic control, while providing multiple modes of problem solving for students who learn in different ways.

"The synergy of this relationship will promote joint endeavors that motivate students to further develop their skills for careers in aviation and aerospace," said Ruth Leverenz, FAA associate administrator for region and center operations.