Status of FAA's Efforts To Develop the Next Generation Air Transportation System
On September 11, 2008, the Inspector General testified on the status of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) efforts to develop the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), which is targeted for the 2025 timeframe. NextGen is expected to triple capacity, boost controller productivity, reduce FAA operating costs, lessen impact of high energy costs, and reduce the environmental impact of aviation. Developing NextGen is one of the biggest challenges facing FAA. It is a high–risk effort involving billion–dollar investments from both the Government and airspace users. The Inspector General noted that a number of actions are needed from FAA going forward to help shift NextGen efforts from research to implementation. Specifically, FAA must (1) establish priorities and include them in budget and planning documents, (2) focus much needed attention on technology transfer issues, (3) clearly define the roles of the Air Traffic Organization and the Joint Planning and Development Office and effectively use in–house resources, (4) place a high priority on relieving already congested airports, and (5) examine what can reasonably be implemented in given time increments.
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Last updated: September 11 2008
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