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Alma Morales (front) and Karen Estes use sophisticated computer software programming to calibrate a gyro package in the Avionics lab at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. Gyros are used in aircraft to aid in navigation and help control stability.

All aircraft equipment must operate within very strict tolerances, and Dryden operates three calibration labs for this purpose. 3 and 6 month calibrations are performed on relevant equipment at the electrical lab, the pressure lab, and the environmental lab.

For almost a half century the Center has developed a unique and highly specialized capability for conducting flight research programs. The Dryden complex originated at Edwards in support of the X-1 supersonic flight program. As other high-speed aircraft entered research programs, the facility became permanent and grew from a staff of five engineers in 1947 to a population in 1995 of nearly 900 full-time government and contractor employees.