FAA CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE FOR APPLIED RESEARCH AND TRAINING IN THE USE OF ADVANCED MATERIALS IN TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT.

SEC. 708. [49 U.S.C. 44504 note] FAA CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE FOR APPLIED RESEARCH AND TRAINING IN THE USE OF ADVANCED MATERIALS IN TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT. (a) In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall develop a Center for Excellence focused on applied research and training on the durability and maintainability of advanced materials in transport airframe structures. The Center shall— (1) promote and facilitate collaboration among academia, the Federal Aviation Administration's Transportation Division, and the commercial aircraft industry, including manufacturers, commercial air carriers, and suppliers; and (2) establish goals set to advance technology, improve engineering practices, and facilitate continuing education in relevant areas of study. (b) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator $500,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2015 to carry out this section.