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Air Transportation

Air transportation connects people and drives economic growth. The National Academies study safety, innovation, and sustainability in aviation systems.

What's happening

Winners Selected for the TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program’s 2025-2026 University Design Competition for Addressing Airport Needs

News Release

The Transportation Research Board’s Airport Cooperative Research Program has selected winners for its latest ACRP University Design Competition. This annual competition encourages students to design innovative and practical solutions to challenges at airports.

Aug 12, 2026

People entering airplane at gate of modern airport

FAA Urged to Revise its Approach to Radiation Exposure for Flight Crewmembers; Current Approaches Are Insufficient, Says New Report

News Release

During flights, airplane crews are exposed to cosmic radiation, yet regulatory protections for these workers are insufficient, and a lack of data complicates efforts to better understand the occupational risks to health and safety. A new National Academies report recommends actions to strengthen monitoring, communication, research, and safety practices.

Jun 12, 2026

Air travel

Health and Safety Impacts of Aircraft Cabin Temperatures — New Report

News Release

Excessively hot or cold temperatures in commercial aircraft may affect the health and safety of passengers and flight attendants. A new National Academies report surveys the evidence on the influence of cabin temperature and humidity on safety and recommends strategies to improve monitoring and risk management.

Jun 3, 2026

Interior of airplane with passengers on seats and stewardess in uniform walking the aisle, serving people.

Featured Publications

Assessing Radiation Exposure, Health Outcomes, and Mitigation Strategies for Flight Crewmembers

Consensus Study Report

2026

Exceeding Legislated Accessibility Requirements in Airports

2026

Transitioning to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline: A Guide and Tools

2026

Ramp Safety Practices: Update

2026

Exploring Cellular-Based Private Wireless Networks: Summary

2026

Featured work

Perspectives on the Impact of Active Shooter Drills and Other School Security Measures: A Listening Session Series

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Research Agenda for Reducing the Climate Impact of Aviation-Induced Cloudiness and Persistent Contrails from Commercial Aviation

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Study and Recommendations on the HIMS, FADAP, and Other Drug and Alcohol Programs within the USDOT

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Transport Airplane Risk Assessment Methodology

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Intercity Passenger Travel: Opportunities and Issues in Short-haul Markets

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Lead Emissions from Piston-Powered General Aviation Aircraft

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Aviation Safety Assurance

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Airport Passenger Screening: Backscatter X-Ray Machines

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Commercial Aviation Supply Chain Resilience: Meeting of Experts

Meeting of Experts

Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control Staffing Model Improvements: Expert Meetings

Meeting of Experts

Units

Transportation Research Board Executive Office

Oversight Unit

Aeronautics, Space, and Astronomy Program Area

Oversight Unit

Eagle Nebula (M16 - Messier 16) SHO Palette

Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST)

Oversight Unit

Technical Activities Division

Oversight Unit

TRB Consensus and Advisory Studies Division

Oversight Unit

Transportation Research Board (TRB)

Oversight Unit

Cargo train transportation - Freight railway. Used for TRB

Board on Human-Systems Integration

Standing Committee

Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board (ASEB)

Standing Committee

Airport Cooperative Research Program

Oversight Unit

Aeronautics Research and Technology Roundtable (ARTR)

Roundtable/Forum

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