Aero Society Channel

The history of aviation is filled with individuals, companies and governments tapping into the spirit of innovation to address the many challenges that stood before them. Today the global aviation community is called upon to do the same to deal with the trials we have before us today and the tests to come in the future.

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These challenges include the response to the global economic crisis, aviation’s environmental performance and international air transportation modernization. As we face these issues, we should remember what inspired Charles Lindbergh’s flight all those years ago – a contest bankrolled by a hotel owner. This is a dramatic reminder that positive measures, rather than punitive steps, will always have the most success in fostering the spirit of innovation.

2009 Lindbergh Lecture

Recorded: Tuesday 28th April 2009

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About the speaker:

Marion C. Blakey

President and CEO,
Aerospace Industries Association of America

Marion C. Blakey took the reins of the Aerospace Industries Association as the eighth full-time executive in November 2007.

She joined AIA from the Federal Aviation Administration, where she completed a fiveyear term as administrator in September 2007. At the FAA, Blakey oversaw the safest period for air travel in United States history. She also instituted solid business practices at the agency, with more than 97 percent of the agency’s major programs coming in on time and on budget. Under her leadership, the Next Generation Air Transportation System, known as NextGen, was launched and significant progress made toward its implementation.

She previously served as chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board and administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as in key positions at the Departments of Commerce, Education and Transportation and the National Endowment for the Humanities and the White House.