Today, we still rely upon a system based on 1940’s era technology; on a radar system that is inefficient and inadequate for the demands of our nation’s air travel needs. In fact, 50,000 flights-a-day here in the United States are controlled by a system designed when there were fewer flights and aircraft traveled at slower speeds.
The current National Airspace System (NAS) is controlled through the use of surveillance radars, voice radio systems, limited computer support systems, and numerous complex procedures. The current system lacks pinpoint accuracy, forcing planes to fly farther apart and limiting the number of flights. As the number of flights filling up our airspace has continued to increase, the need to for a new system has become a necessity. The FAA predicts that the number of U.S. air passengers will continue to rise by 2.5% per year, with a total of 1 billion traveling by 2023.
What is NextGen
In an effort to address challenges our nation’s aviation industry’s economic health and safety, the FAA has embarked on implementing Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen. This is a comprehensive overhaul of our nation’s air traffic control system aimed at increasing capacity and reliability, improving safety and security, while at the same time reducing the impact on the environment. Today, when quick access to information is a norm, NextGen will ensure that pilots and air traffic control operators receive the correct information.
The new system would have two primary upgrades
By implementing NextGen upgrades, the NAS will provide numerous safety and efficiency upgrades to air travel, providing controllers and pilots much needed technology updates. The combination of GPS and ADS-B towers will:
Benefits of NextGen
With the implementation of NextGen, the benefits will be felt from businesses to frequent flyers to those who rarely travel.
Upgrades as part of NextGen ensure that our nation’s aviation industry remains a vital economic tool. According to the FAA, civil aviation contributes $1.3 trillion annually, generating more than 10 million jobs across the country. According to a recent study, failure to address the need for improvements to the current air traffic control system would cost the United States economy $22 billion annually by 2022, with the figure growing to $40 billion per year by 2033.
Improving our air traffic control system ensures that that a vital business tool operates efficiently. A recent FAA-sponsored study found that in 2007 the estimated total cost of delays associated with air travel totaled $32.9 billion (including $8.3 billion in increased airline operator expenses, $16.7 in passenger time lost, and $3.9 in welfare lost), reducing the United States GDP by $4 billion.
Besides improving ones travel experience, NextGen initiatives are also helping improve the global environment. By increasing the efficiency of travel, NextGen is reducing the amount of fuel used and decreasing carbon dioxide and exhaust emissions from aircraft.
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