Next Generation Air Transportation System: Progress and Challenges in Planning and Implementing the Transformation of the National Airspace System

The FAA, incl. its Joint Planning and Dev¿t. Office (JPDO) and Air Traffic Org. (ATO), is planning for and implementing the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) in partnership with other fed. agencies and the aviation industry. NextGen will transform the current radar-based air traffic control system into a more automated, aircraft-centered, satellite-based system. This testimony focuses on: (1) JPDO's and ATO's progress in planning and implementing NextGen; (2) ongoing efforts to implement midterm capabilities to address capacity constraints and delays; (3) the potential impact on NextGen of organizational changes and human capital issues; and (4) R&D and facilities maintenance and reconfiguration challenges going forward. Illus.

Collaboration between the fed. gov¿t. and the aviation industry has led to reductions in aviation emissions (AE), but growing air traffic has partially offset these reductions. Various fed. agencies are working to increase the efficiency, safety, and capacity of the nat. airspace system and at the same time reduce AE, in part, by transforming the current air traffic control system to the Next Generation Air Transp. System (NextGen). This effort involves new technologies and air traffic procedures that can reduce AE and incorporates R&D on emissions-reduction technologies. This testimony addresses: (1) the scope and nature of AE; (2) the status of selected key fed. efforts to reduce AE; and (3) next steps and challenges in reducing AE. Illustrations.