Message from the President, Australian Division, Royal Aeronautical Society

ICAS 98 provides a significant opportunity for professionals contributing to the exciting, multidisciplinary and global industry of aerospace to join with several hundred of their colleagues from many nations to benefit from recent aeronautical developments. ICAS 98 is the major international forum this year for professionals in aeronautical research, engineering, development, education, manufacturing, operations and support.

I am delighted that ICAS 98 will be held in Australia, hosted by the Australian Division of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institution of Engineers, Australia, and supported by governments and commercial organisations. The Congress will be held in the excellent facilities of the Melbourne Convention Centre, in the city renowned for its supporting infrastructure, hospitality and cosmopolitan lifestyle. ICAS 98 in the Asia Pacific Region presents an infrequent opportunity for the Region's aerospace scientists and engineers to participate in the ICAS experience.

The Congress comprises a comprehensive Programme of activities. Over four days there will be
-presentations of outstanding technical papers across the breadth of aeronautics,
-each day a plenary lecture by an authoritative international speaker,
-twice daily poster presentations of completed work and work-in-progress,
-an exhibition of aerospace related products and services, and
-a stream of technical presentations for the ICAS Student Competition.

Another day is devoted to a technical tour of research, education and manufacturing organisations in the nearby Fishermens Bend aerospace industry precinct. Further opportunities for networking between the Congress participants are provided at evening socialevents and at an annual named lecture presented by the host Societies. This programme provides the Congress detail and requirements for registration.

Significant initiatives are introduced into ICAS 98 -proceedings on CD-ROM, poster presentations and an exhibition. Informationon the Technical Exhibition and details for participation are included in this booklet.

We invite you and your colleagues to participate in ICAS 98, the pre-eminent international aeronautical forum for 1998. We look forward to giving you a warm welcome and providing you a Congress conducive to professional achievement, value and enjoyment.

John Faulkner, President, Australian Division, RAeS