NextGen is happening now. The FAA is delivering benefits today that increase efficiency, and flexibility while reducing aviation's environmental footprint. NextGen Update: 2016 offers the latest information on the programs that make up NextGen. We have made tremendous progress since the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) was just a concept. NextGen's foundation is in place and we are delivering new benefits to users of the National Airspace System (NAS) every day.
- Air traffic controllers have better tools to help them safely and efficiently track and separate aircraft.
- Pilots have access to more information in the cockpit.
- Airlines fly more efficient routes to get passengers faster to their destinations while burning less fuel and producing fewer aircraft exhaust emissions.
- The FAA is working smarter with strong partnerships with the aviation community.
Technology and Infrastructure
NextGen is a monumental, historic shift forward in the modernization of our air transportation system. This comprehensive initiative integrates new and existing policies, procedures, and technologies, including satellite navigation and advanced digital communications.
Automation
Upgrading and standardizing the next generation computer system.
En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) combines flight plan information with surveillance data from ADS-B, Wide Area Multilateration, and radar to automate a number of air traffic control functions. ERAM enables Center controllers to see beyond the boundaries of the airspace they control, allowing them to handle traffic more efficiently. Learn more about what we've delivered this year.
Decision Support Systems (DSS) consist of the Traffic Flow Management System, Time Based Flow Management, and the Terminal Flight Data Manager. Each component delivers specific capabilities, but work together to provide integrated, responsive, and collaborative traffic flow management solutions that maximize efficiency and reduce delays through each phase of flight. Find out what we've delivered this year.
NextGen Weather provides aviation weather products that support air traffic management during severe weather events, helping to minimize passenger delays and improve aviation safety. Learn more about NextGen weather capabilities.
Collaborative Air Traffic Management (CATM) coordinates flight and flow decision-making by flight planners and FAA traffic managers to improve the overall efficiency of the NAS. CATM provides greater flexibility and enables flight planners to make the best use of available airspace and airport capacity. Learn more about CATM capabilities.
Terminal Automation Modernization and Replacement (TAMR) combines multiple air traffic control technologies into the single, state-of-the-art Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) platform. STARS is a foundational NextGen technology that enables ADS-B and other capabilities. Controllers use STARS to provide air traffic control services to pilots in terminal airspace — the airspace immediately surrounding major airports. Learn more about what we've delivered this year.
Enterprise Information Management
NextGen's digital data delivery backbone.
System Wide Information Management (SWIM) provides the digital data-sharing backbone of NextGen. SWIM connects producers and users of data with a common language and single point of contact to access aeronautical, flight, and weather information, allowing stakeholders to share information in near real time. Learn more about SWIM capabilities and what we've delivered this year.
Communication
The future of controller-pilot communication.
Data Communications (Data Comm) enables controllers to send digital instructions and clearances to pilots. The capability leads to improved use of airspace and aircraft, more efficient routing with fewer speed and altitude adjustments, and increased air traffic capacity. Learn more about Data Comm capabilities and what we've delivered this year.
National Airspace System Voice System (NVS) will replace decades-old analog technology with secure, digital Voice over Intranet Protocol technology that is not limited by geography. Current point to-point voice-switching technology only allows controllers to speak to aircraft within range of their nearby radio site. Learn more about what we've delivered this year.
Navigation
Precise routes and procedures that save time, fuel, and emissions.
Performance Based Navigation (PBN) uses satellites and onboard equipment for navigation procedures that are more precise and accurate than standard avionics and ground-based navigation aids. PBN enables aircraft to fly more directly from departure to arrival by using satellite signals. Closely spaced parallel routes and approaches become possible, and aircraft can descend to lower minimum altitudes over high terrain. Learn more about PBN capabilities we've delivered this year.
Surveillance
The NextGen successor to radar.
Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) is the NextGen successor to radar. It uses GPS satellites to determine an aircraft's location, ground speed, and other data. Aircraft operating in most controlled U.S. airspace must be equipped for ADS-B Out by January 1, 2020. ADS-B Out broadcasts an aircraft's position, altitude, and velocity to a network of ground stations which relays the information to air traffic control displays and to nearby aircraft equipped to receive the data. ADS-B In provides operators of properly equipped aircraft with traffic information directly to the cockpit. Learn more about ADS-B capabilities and what we've delivered this year.
Safer and Smarter
The combined initiatives that make up NextGen will improve air transportation's safety, efficiency, and environmental impact while providing the flying public with a better travel experience.
Safety is the cornerstone of the FAA's mission. NextGen enhances safety for all aircraft operators and passengers, and the FAA has many programs that evaluate safety during each phase of flight.
General Aviation is a vital component of the NAS. The FAA has invested millions of dollars to allow pilots new and better access to more than 1,500 airports. General aviation aircraft range from gliders and powered parachutes to corporate business jet flights.
Environmental Sustainability is one of the major benefits of NextGen. The FAA works closely with industry on new technologies, products, and procedures that will save fuel, reduce aircraft exhaust emissions, and mitigate the impact of noise on communities.
Operator Investments and Airports provides aircraft and airport operators an overview of existing and planned capabilities, their benefits, and which technologies and equipment can take advantage of specific NextGen capabilities.
