The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-095) is the source of all our problems with airport noise. Congress authorized and green-lighted the rapid deployment of NextGen. At that time, both our Senators and our member of the House of Representatives voted for this bill and claimed credit for this legislation in their press release.
NextGen, short for Next Generation Air Transportation System, is an ongoing initiative by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States to modernize and enhance the country's air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure. The primary goal of NextGen is to transition from a ground-based ATC system to a satellite-based system that relies on advanced technologies and procedures to improve the efficiency, capacity, and safety of the National Airspace System (NAS).
NextGen aims to address the limitations of the current ATC system, which is based on radar technology and outdated procedures. By incorporating satellite-based navigation, digital communications, and advanced automation, NextGen seeks to optimize airspace utilization, reduce congestion, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
Some key components of the NextGen initiative include:
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B): ADS-B enables aircraft to determine their precise position using GPS and periodically broadcast it to ground stations and other aircraft. It enhances surveillance accuracy, increases situational awareness, and allows for more precise routing and separation.
Performance-Based Navigation (PBN): PBN utilizes satellite-based navigation technologies such as Area Navigation (RNAV) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP). These technologies enable aircraft to fly more direct routes, reducing flight distances, fuel consumption, and emissions while maintaining safety.
Data Communications: NextGen uses digital communications systems, such as Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC), to replace voice communications between pilots and air traffic controllers. This improves the efficiency and clarity of communication, reducing the potential for errors.
Collaborative Air Traffic Management Technologies: NextGen encourages the development and implementation of advanced decision-support tools and collaborative decision-making processes to improve flow management, reduce delays, and enhance the overall efficiency of the NAS.
Integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): NextGen also considers the integration of drones and other unmanned aircraft systems into the airspace. It aims to establish guidelines and procedures to accommodate the growing use of UAS for various applications safely.
NextGen represents a comprehensive and long-term modernization effort to transform the U.S. air traffic control system, improving safety, capacity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. It involves collaborations with industry stakeholders, airlines, airports, and international partners to ensure a smooth and seamless transition to the NextGen system.
The FAA Reauthorization Act refers to legislation passed by the United States Congress to reauthorize and fund the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations, which is responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation within the United States. The FAA Reauthorization Act is typically passed for a specific period, such as five years. It includes various provisions related to aviation safety, infrastructure, and other vital aspects of the aviation industry.
The FAA Reauthorization Act covers a wide range of topics. It can include provisions related to air traffic control, airport development and improvement, aviation safety regulations, research and development, unmanned aircraft systems (drones), environmental concerns, pilot training and certification, and many other areas relevant to the FAA's responsibilities.
The specific provisions and requirements included in the FAA Reauthorization Act can vary from one reauthorization to another, as they are influenced by the priorities and concerns of lawmakers at the time of its passage. These acts often reflect technological advancements, evolving safety standards, and emerging issues within the aviation industry.
