Aeronautical University Works to Repair Image Damaged by Terrorist Attacks

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Washington lobbyist is still doing damage control after last month's terrorist attacks.

Early reports said that one of the terrorists had received pilot training at the Florida-based university. Investigators subsequently determined that they had confused that man with an Embry-Riddle graduate who has a similar name, is still alive, and was not connected with the attacks.

Nevertheless, the university's Washington lobbying firm, Jefferson Government Relations, has been working to ensure that the now-disproved terrorist link does not ruin Embry-Riddle's chances of receiving two earmarks, or directed appropriations, for the 2002 fiscal year. The university has asked Congress for $6-million to build a science center and a library.

So far, the initial bad press "doesn't seem to be a problem," says Art Roberts, a principal with the firm, because "the school has too good a reputation." Embry-Riddle will argue that the attacks provide further justification for Congress to support the science center, which will house researchers studying ways to improve aviation security.

Mr. Roberts also will oppose legislative proposals that he says would unreasonably burden academic institutions and flight schools. The institutions would be required to conduct criminal background checks and prepare "security profiles" of students seeking to be pilots or mechanics.

Embry-Riddle will pay about $100,000 for Jefferson's services this year.

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