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Summary

A cornerstone of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Next Generation Air Transportation System is its initiative to enhance efficiency and capacity at airports through the use of performance-based navigation (PBN). However, FAA lacks the automated tools air traffic controllers need to increase PBN use and achieve benefits.

While FAA deployed Time Based Flow Management (TBFM)—an automation tool to help controllers optimize PBN operations at high altitude—it has not effectively implemented TBFM or deployed a key tool to help optimize PBN operations near airports. In addition, TBFM is not adequately meeting controllers’ needs, due in part to a lack of training and coordination, and other longstanding problems. As a result, controllers have experienced significant operational problems that hinder systemwide use of the tool.   

We made four recommendations to improve FAA’s implementation of controller automation tools and help optimize PBN operations. FAA concurred with three recommendations and partially concurred with one recommendation. Based on FAA’s response, we consider three recommendations resolved but open, and one recommendation unresolved pending receipt of an update from the Agency.