A new student organization at Purdue will facilitate aviation research opportunities between graduate students and airlines around the world. The Purdue student chapter of Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) will be formally recognized at an announcement Thursday, March 29, at 10:00 a.m. in the Niswonger Aviation Technology Building in conjunction with the Aviation Technology Career Fair. Purdue's chapter is the first student chapter for the organization. "This is a first for this international organization," said Stewart Schreckengast, visiting assistant professor of aviation technology and advisor to the student group. "They help determine how the aviation industry is going to operate regarding safety. It is a huge kudo for Purdue to have this connection." Scott Winter is president of the new organization. “FSF provides an opportunity for our students to complete safety-related research with current and pressing issues facing the aviation industry,” Winter said. “The organization also assists in providing an outlet for this type of research analysis in publications and conferences.” The group anticipates research on topics such as cockpit design, human factors (pilot fatigue), airline scheduling, fuel management and business practices. Students and faculty are conducting some of this research already. The tie with FSF will help connect organizations who need the research to Purdue. The group also hopes to create student internship and networking opportunities. “The domestic and international relationships that our students will establish will have a significant and sustainable conduit for career development and front row access to emerging real world challenges and opportunities,” Schreckengast said. Kevin Hiatt, chief operating officer for FSF, will be on campus for the announcement. FSF was formed in 1947 to pursue the continuous improvement of global aviation safety. It works to meet this objective through research, auditing, education, advocacy and publishing. Its membership includes more than 1,200 organizations and individuals in 150 countries. Because of its research nature, the FSF Student Chapter caters to graduate students. For more information on joining the group, visit the group’s page on the Purdue’s Get Involved Web site. Read the official Purdue University news release.