Posted: October 20th, 2022

Overcoming the Challenges Associated with the Development and Implementation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System

Abstract

The steady growth of air traffic in both commercial and general aviation has prompted the implementation of a modernization program for the U. S. National Airspace System (NAS). Global air traffic is expected to grow 3.8 % annually and service 7 billion passengers by 2034 (IATA, 2015). The U. S. alone currently handles over 30,000 commercial flights daily. There is much-need for a modernized and more efficient air traffic management system. In order to meet the demand of increased air traffic the FAA presented the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Unfortunately, the development and implementation of the system is over a decade in the making. Increased costs and delays have caused the NextGen to come under heavy scrutiny. To better understand the challenges that NextGen faces and provide insight on how to move forward with implementation it is necessary to conduct research with a thorough review of data. Information will be gathered regarding costs, management, political, historical, and safety factors that have influenced the modernization of the NAS. After a review of the data, information, and literature surrounding the NextGen, the student will draw conclusions, and make a recommendation in response to the delayed implementation of the NextGen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overcoming the Challenges Associated with the Development and Implementation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System

Statement of the Project

This individual project is being conducted to meet the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics degree requirements. It has become a necessity for the federal government to modernize the infrastructure that makes up the NAS to meet the demand of the growing aviation industry. The student will utilize the program outcomes, analytical research, and critical thinking to examine the NextGen for what appears to be delays in progress and produce insight into alternatives to current policy. Research will begin with the history of the FAA’s decision to implement the NextGen and proposed implementation plans. The new system will be compared to the legacy air transportation system to analyze statements of reduced costs, improved traffic flow, efficient airspace utilization, increased savings, and aviation safety. Examination of legislative law, industry literature, aviation reports, and case studies will take place to gain an understanding of any shortcomings in the massive undertaking of the FAA’s NextGen. The expected outcome of this project is to gain an understanding of issues with NextGen implementation and generate a meaningful resolution for any major oversights.

Introduction

In December 2003, President George W. Bush signed the Vision 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Peters & Woolley, 2003). This was the necessary and important step the federal government had taken to develop a modern infrastructure for the nation’s maturing air traffic system. Efforts by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began in fiscal year 2004. The FAA estimated the project would be complete by the year 2025 and cost approximately $40 billion (Gibbons, 2011). The modernization plan consists of 6 programs to bring the whole system online and will need the involvement of multiple aviation industry contributors. The programs are Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), Collaborative Air Traffic Management Technologies (CATMT), Data Communications (Data Comm), National Airspace System Voice System (NVS), System Wide Information Management (Swim), and NextGen Weather. The programs are designed for interoperability to give more situational awareness to pilots and air traffic controllers. Traditional routing, that used to waste fuel and efficiency, are to become a thing of the past. Collectively these programs make up the NextGen that is to ultimately make air travel more efficient and safe while also increasing capacity through seamlessly merging the human-automation interaction (FAA, n. d.b). The Inspector General of the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Honorable Calvin L. Scovel III (2013) stated in a report examining the FAA’s progress, “ the agency has made little progress in shifting from planning to implementation and delivering benefits to airspace users” (p. 1). Since then other reports and aviation articles have also revealed similar findings that have now put the FAA under serious pressure to produce the NextGen on time and within budget. Technology has advanced and has long been capable to the meet the demands of NextGen. A deeper analysis of the facts and statements that surround the implementation of the NextGen will be provided to give an analytical look at the underlying issues. This research paper will discuss and examine causes for delays and the benefits of the modernized system. By further exploring the NextGen development and implementation issues it will give insight into future developments and present potential solutions for current problems.

Program Outcomes to be addressed

Critical Thinking

“The student will show evidence of knowledge at a synthesis level to define and solve problems within professional and personal environments” (ERAU, 2015, p. 12).

The ability to conduct critical thinking is crucial to solve complex problems. The student must question and evaluate problems, then reasonably formulate meaningful conclusions and decisions.

This project will demonstrate the application of critical thinking by presenting an analysis surrounding the challenges the FAA faces in the development and implementation of the Next Generation (NextGen) Aviation Transportation System. Conclusions and recommendations will be drawn from the analysis utilizing sources from aviation articles, online libraries, professional journals, FAA implementation plans, and NextGen budget proposals.

In order to demonstrate critical thinking there will be a comparative review of proposed FAA NextGen implementation plans, budget proposals, and system performance results. The following resources will be utilized within the scope of this program outcome:

1. (2015, May). NextGen implementation plan 2015. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/NextGen_Implementation_Plan-2015.pdf
2. (2010, March). FAA’s NextGen implementation plan 2010. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/faa.gov/nextgen/media/ngip_3-2010.pdf
3. (2014, October). NextGen priorities joint implementation plan. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/faa.gov/nextgen/media/ng_priorities.pdf
4. Rao, N. C. (2013). The promise and challenges of NextGen. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/publications/air_space_lawyer/ASL_V25N4_rao.authcheckdam.pdf
5. Scoval III, C. L. (2013, July 7). FAA’s progress and challenges in advancing the next generation air transportation system. Retrieved from https://transportation.house.gov/uploadedfiles/documents/2013-07-17-scovel.pdf

Quantitative Reasoning

“The student will show evidence of the use of digitally-enabled technology & analysis techniques to interpret data for the purpose of drawing valid conclusions and solving associated problems” (ERAU, 2015, p. 12).

Quantitative reasoning is importation in any research project and involves the gathering of numerical data from statistics, charts, and spreadsheets then deducting conclusions from the information as they relate to the topic.

Statistical data is the cornerstone of this project that will be compiled and analyzed in order to compare the current method of air traffic management to the NextGen system.

Data collected will consist of analyzing published projected costs, airspace volume, traffic flow, safety, and effectiveness associated with both systems of air traffic management. The following resources will be utilized within the scope of this program outcome:

1. (n. d.). NextGen: Performance success stories. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/
2. (n. d.). Airlines and Airports: Data and statistics. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/rita.dot.gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/subject_areas/airline_information/index.html

Information Literacy

“The student will show evidence of meaningful research, including gathering information from primary and secondary sources and incorporating and documenting source material in their writing” (ERAU, 2015, p. 12).

Information literacy is the ability to gather peer reviewed research from primary and secondary sources then clearly and accurately communicate an analysis.

In order to demonstrate information literacy this research project will be conducted utilizing only approved methodology outlined by the university. Information will be gathered and research will be conducted to draw meaningful conclusions while using American Psychological Association (APA) 6^th edition formatting.

The data required will consist of aviation articles, professional journals, government agency documents, financial budgets, and library sources. The following resources will be utilized within the scope of this program outcome:

1. American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author

Communication

“The student will show evidence of communicating concepts in written, digital, and oral forms to present technical and non-technical information” (ERAU, 2015, p. 12).

Communication is truly an art that is the ability to format information effectively through written and oral means and present it to any audience.

This research project will utilize software such as Microsoft word, excel and power point to present both technical and non-technical information effectively.

The application of visual aids along with proper formatting of information in accordance with the American Psychological Association Publications Manual (Sixth Edition) will ensure the research project is presented in an easy to read and logical manner. Therefore, communicating the topic effectively. The following resources will be utilized within the scope of this program outcome:

1. American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author

Scientific Literacy

“The student will show evidence of analyzing scientific evidence as it relates to the physical world and its interrelationship with human values and interests” (ERAU, 2015, p. 12).

Scientific Literacy involves the ability to understand and apply scientific evidence, such as the operating characteristics of the NextGen system, to gain a better understanding of a specific topic/problem.

The student will analyze statistical data, organizational studies, and aviation reports in order to incorporate concepts of management, human factors, and aeronautics to overcome challenges associated with the NextGen implementation.

Information showing the benefits of the NextGen including savings, improved safety, and navigation flexibility will be necessary. When this information is married with policy and implementation plans analysis on effectiveness can be conducted. The following resources will be utilized within the scope of this program outcome:

1. Guzzetti, J. B. (2014, February 25). Addressing underlying causes for NextGen delays will require sustained FAA leadership and action. Retrieved from https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/FAA%20Underlying%20Causes%20for%20NextGen%20Delays%5E2-25-14.pdf
2. Scoval III, C. L. (2013, July 7). FAA’s progress and challenges in advancing the next generation air transportation system. Retrieved from https://transportation.house.gov/uploadedfiles/documents/2013-07-17-scovel.pdf

Cultural Literacy

“The student will show evidence of the analysis of historic events, cultural artifacts and philosophical concepts” (ERAU, 2015, p. 12).

The understanding of cultural influences such as philosophy and history along with its application into this research topic best define the application of cultural literacy.

An analysis of historical, cultural, and social perspectives of the aviation industry will be necessary. This will provide an informed opinion of the impacts of the NextGen and its challenges.

The use of aviation articles will provide both public and organizational perceptions of the current air traffic management system and the NextGen. The following resources will be utilized within the scope of this program outcome:

1. Miller, A. J. (2014, July 1). FAA faces ‘programmatic challenges’ with NextGen. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2014/July/01/FAA-faces-programmatic-challenges-with-NextGen
2. Adhikari, R. (2015, May 11). FAA’s Next-Generation air transportation system falters. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/ecommercetimes.com/story/82038.html
3. Weikel, D. (2015, June 16). FAA proposes state-of-art traffic control system for L. A.’s crowded skies. A. Times. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/latimes.com/local/california/la-me-air-traffic-control-20150616-story.html

Lifelong Personal Growth

“The student will show evidence of the skills needed to enrich the quality of life through activities which enhance and promote lifetime learning” (ERAU, 2015, p. 12).

Lifelong personal growth is the demonstration of a higher understanding and ability to analyze complex concepts. This will ultimately enable lifelong growth. Lifelong personal growth should be the goal of many. By providing a research paper that is well composed and addresses topics in an analytical manner the student will demonstrate the potential for a lifelong commitment to learning. Further demonstration of lifelong growth is achieved through continued education, participation in conferences, achieving advanced qualifications, and providing long lasting contributions to the aviation industry after graduation.

Information from oversight committees, quantitative data, and current/future policy information will be necessary to formulate a meaningful review.

Data that will need to be obtained will be sourced from statistical data, articles, journals, regulations, and plans.

Aviation/Aerospace/Aeronautical Science

“The student will show evidence of advanced concepts of aviation, aerospace, and aeronautics to solve problems commonly found in their respective industries” (ERAU, 2015, p. 12).

The student will demonstrate the ability to solve complex situations within their expertise through critical thinking and reasoning. Individuals should continuously strive toward higher understanding within their respective fields.

This project will analyze the NextGen and the challenges of implementation. This significantly impacts the aviation industry, as it is the support system of air traffic. The research will include the impacts of the NextGen and policy needed to modernize the air transportation system.

Information regarding current system progress, technological capabilities, and the management of current/future users will be compiled and analyzed. The following resources will be utilized within the scope of this program outcome:

1. Guzzetti, J. B. (2014, February 25). Addressing underlying causes for NextGen delays will require sustained FAA leadership and action. Retrieved from https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/FAA%20Underlying%20Causes%20for%20NextGen%20Delays%5E2-25-14.pdf
2. (2013). Management challenge. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/about/plans_reports/media/FY13_Mgmt_Challenges_Action_Plans.pdf
3. (n. d.). NextGen: Performance success stories. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/

Aviation Legislation and Law

“The student will show evidence of the basic concepts in national and international legislation and law as they pertain to the aviation, aerospace and aeronautics industries” (ERAU, 2015, p. 12).

The student should understand the impacts of legislation and law on the aviation industry in order to be effective.

FAA policies, legislation, and regulation of the current air traffic system will be reviewed and compared to their applicability to the NextGen. A transition from one system to the next should be smooth and effective in order to not disrupt current operations. Impacts on labor, management, and private/commercial aviation must also be considered for the transition.

Current policy, legislation, management, and labor documents will provide insight regarding aviation law. The following resources will be utilized within the scope of this program outcome:

1. FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, H. R. 658, 112^th (2012), https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-112hrpt381/pdf/CRPT-112hrpt381.pdf
2. Vision 100- Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act, Pub. L. No. 108-176, 117 Stat. 2490 (2003), https://www.congress.gov/108/plaws/publ176/PLAW-108publ176.pdf
3. Lichman, B. E. (2012, February 6). FAA Reauthorization Act changes rules for valuation of residential properties. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/aviationairportdevelopmentlaw.com/tags/nextgen/

Aviation Safety

“The student will show evidence of basic concepts in aviation safety as they pertain to the aviation, aerospace, aeronautics industry” (ERAU, 2015, p. 12).

Safety is paramount in the aviation industry and the student must demonstrate an understanding of its importance and concepts and to determine the impact on safety as it relates to the topic.

This research will present how improved safety is a product of the implementation of the NextGen compared to the current system.

Statistical data regarding routing and safety hazards will be compared to show differences in both air traffic systems. The following resources will be utilized within the scope of this program outcome:

1. (n. d.) NextGen: Safety. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/safety/
2. Fleming, C. H., Spencer, M. Leveson, N., Wilkinson, C. (2012, March). Safety assurance in NextGen. Retrieved from http://sunnyday.mit.edu/papers/NASA-CR-2012-217553.pdf

Aviation Management and Operations

“The student will show evidence of sound, ethical management principles within standard aviation, aerospace, and aeronautics operations” (ERAU, 2015, p. 12).

The student must exhibit the ability to apply sound and ethical management principles within the operations of aeronautics, and to analyze and evaluate management concepts.

An analysis of the current air traffic system’s impact on air traffic operations and commercial/private aviation will provide insight of daily aviation industry activities. The type of air traffic system used influences staffing, airspace usage, and equipment capabilities. With projected growth in the aviation industry it is important to understand basic management and aeronautics operations.

Information listing manpower requirements, equipment costs, and airspace usage is required to analyze the impacts of the air traffic system. The following resources will be utilized within the scope of this program outcome:

1. (n. d.). Airspace operations and safety program. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/aeronautics.nasa.gov/programs-aosp.htm
2. Bellamy III, W. (2015, April 1). NextGen for general aviation: Addressing cost, modernizing and improving safety. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/aviationtoday.com/av/issue/feature/NextGen-for-General-Aviation-Addressing-Cost-Modernizing-and-Improving-Safety_84762.html#.Vqi9Uhh97L8
3. (2010). National airspace and procedures plan. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/NAPPecopy.pdf

 

 

References

Adhikari, R. (2015, May 11). FAA’s Next-Generation air transportation system falters. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/ecommercetimes.com/story/82038.html

American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American

Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author

Bellamy III, W. (2015, April 1). NextGen for general aviation: Addressing cost, modernizing and improving safety. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/aviationtoday.com/av/issue/feature/NextGen-for-General-Aviation-Addressing-Cost-Modernizing-and-Improving-Safety_84762.html#.Vqi9Uhh97L8

Department of Transportation. (n. d.). Airlines and airports: Data and statistics. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/rita.dot.gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/subject_areas/airline_information/index.html

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. (2015). College of aeronautics: Undergraduate capstone course policy guide. Retrieved from https://erau.instructure.com/courses/6179/pages/coa- undergraduate-capstone-policy-guidemodule_item_id=17735

Federal Aviation Administration. (2010). National airspace and procedures plan. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/NAPPecopy.pdf

Federal Aviation Administration. (2010, March). FAA’s NextGen implementation plan 2010. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/faa.gov/nextgen/media/ngip_3-2010.pdf

Federal Aviation Administration. (2013). Management challenge. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/about/plans_reports/media/FY13_Mgmt_Challenges_Action_Plans.pdf

Federal Aviation Administration. (2014, October). NextGen priorities joint implementation plan. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/faa.gov/nextgen/media/ng_priorities.pdf

Federal Aviation Administration. (2015, May). NextGen implementation plan 2015. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/NextGen_Implementation_Plan-2015.pdf

Federal Aviation Administration. (n. d.a). NextGen: Safety. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/safety/

Federal Aviation Administration. (n. d.b). Benefits of ERAM. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/eram/benefits/

Federal Aviation Administration. (n. d.c). NextGen: Performance success stories. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/

FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, H. R. 658, 112^th Cong. (2012), https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-112hrpt381/pdf/CRPT-112hrpt381.pdf

Fleming, C. H., Spencer, M. Leveson, N., Wilkinson, C. (2012, March). Safety assurance in NextGen. Retrieved from http://sunnyday.mit.edu/papers/NASA-CR-2012-217553.pdf

Gibbons, G. (2011, April 30). Air traffic control modernization: FAA, NextGen, GNSS, and avionics equipage. Inside GNSS. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/insidegnss.com/pdf/Air_Traffic_Control_Modernization.pdf

Guzzetti, J. B. (2014, February 25). Addressing underlying causes for NextGen delays will require sustained FAA leadership and action. Retrieved from https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/FAA%20Underlying%20Causes%20for%20NextGen%20Delays%5E2-25-14.pdf

IATA. (2015, November 26). IATA air passenger forecast show dip in long-term demand. Retrieved from https://www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/Pages/2015-11-26-01.aspx

Lichman, B. E. (2012, February 6). FAA Reauthorization Act changes rules for valuation of residential properties. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/aviationairportdevelopmentlaw.com/tags/nextgen/

Miller, A. J. (2014, July 1). FAA faces ‘programmatic challenges’ with NextGen. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2014/July/01/FAA-faces-programmatic-challenges-with-NextGen

NASA. (n. d.). Airspace operations and safety program. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/aeronautics.nasa.gov/programs-aosp.htm

Peters, G., & Woolley, J. T. (2003, December 12). Statement on singing the vision 100-century of aviation reauthorization act. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/pid=64197

Rao, N. C. (2013). The promise and challenges of NextGen. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/publications/air_space_lawyer/ASL_V25N4_rao.authcheckdam.pdf

Scoval III, C. L. (2013, July 7). FAA’s progress and challenges in advancing the next generation air transportation system. Retrieved from https://transportation.house.gov/uploadedfiles/documents/2013-07-17-scovel.pdf

Vision 100- Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act, Pub. L. No. 108-176, 117 Stat. 2490 (2003), https://www.congress.gov/108/plaws/publ176/PLAW-108publ176.pdf

Weikel, D. (2015, June 16). FAA proposes state-of-art traffic control system for L. A.’s crowded skies. L. A. Times. Retrieved from https://monkessays.com/write-my-essay/latimes.com/local/california/la-me-air-traffic-control-20150616-story.html

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