Critical Issues in Aviation and the Environment: Introduction

This introduction to Transportation Research Circular E-C089 provides background information and an overview of the circular. It contains an aviation environmental research agenda overview map and states that this summary will be updated annually. The summary organization is described as follows: There are six sections, three that address the major environmental media affected by aviation activities (noise, air quality, and water quality) and three that address key processes that link aviation and the environment (environmental review processes, analytical tools, and technology deployment). Each section is divided into subsections that: define the critical issues in the media or process area; discuss the current state of practice, research, and policy; define a vision of future capabilities that would address the critical issues; and identify specific research needs to help achieve the vision. Each section focuses on research conducted in the United States, although international activities are discussed where U.S. public or private entities are closely involved.