Structure

Legal Vehicle

The Airborne Internet Consortium (AIC) is a Delaware non-profit corporation chartered to undertake science, research, and education activities. The AIC is registered as a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization.

Governance Structure

The AIC governance structure consists of a founding board of three members for one year, to be expanded to a seven member board of directors elected from among the membership. Directors are elected only from among the Principal members of any given class.

Timeline of Activities

The Airborne Internet Consortium will startup and operate in three phases. The phases approach is designed to match the timing and availability of support from various sources:

• Phase 1 – Startup over a period of one year after the financial and legal commitment of founders
• Phase 2 – Definition of concepts at sufficient level to fully secure resources for complete research
• Phase 3 – Full research resulting in standards and certification guidelines

Operating Budget:

• Phase 1 – Startup:
• Research – $300,000 goal
• Management and Operations – $85,000 minimum to $115,000 maximum
• Phase 2 – Definition of concepts:
• Research – $2,500,000 goal
• Management and Operations – $215,500 to $245,000
• Phase 3 – Full research:
• Research – $26,500,000 goal
• Management and Operations – $1,850,000 to $2,275,000

Resources Strategy

The AIC’s research and project management functions will be supported by a combination of member contributions and the solicitation of government (Federal and state) program funding. The Consortium’s business management will be supported by member dues and cost recovery on project overhead.