NextGen

Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is the upgraded system to WWII aviation technology to support separation of traffic in our National Airspace System (NAS). This initiative is divided up into three segments since its formation in the early 2000; short-term (2004-1012), mid-term(2012-2020) and long-term(2020-2030 and beyond).  Although the implementation and maintenance will cost approximately $37 billion dollars estimated through the year 2030, they also tote that it will save $106 billion total. Significant benefits are expected after the total implementation inclusive of; fuel savings, reduction in emissions, reduced separation minimums, reduced congestion, better communications across the NAS, standardized access to weather information and updates and improved onboard technology (Houston, nd).

            NextGen will use Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B), which will provide a more reliable and accurate system than we current use. This system provides us with data of any particular aircraft including speed, route, accurate location and the ability to share it with other aircrafts and ground stations by using satellite radio signals. For the aircraft itself, there are upgraded low-visibility operations with the use of a Heads-Up Display (HUDs). Although HUDs are not new, this system will use it in conjunction with the Ground Based Augmentation System Landing System III and the Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) which will allow previously aircraft that couldn’t land in low-vis, the ability to automatically land in these conditions.

     UAS tech experts have already designed a transponder that will integrate with ADS-B and will eventually allow UAS’s to integrate in the NAS, satisfying the FAA mandate of transponder equipped aircraft. Although a relatively small transponder can be installed on the majority of aircrafts, it doesn’t completely eradicate all issues. For instance, the transponder allows us to see the exact location of a UAS, but doesn’t give us further information such as intentions. So if a lost link occurs with a UAS, it is still up to the operator to talk to the air traffic controller if there isn’t a predetermined plan. Right now, a new flight planning system is being developed to take on the extra air traffic that will be eventually added to the NAS. Inclusive of that flight planning will be lost link procedures.

     Currently, the FAA is behind on the implementation of NextGen, and even more behind on the implementation of procedures and mandates concerning the integration of UAS’s with live traffic in our NAS. I do believe the technology is there, but funding and a total collaboration by both the FAA, other government agencies and the public will need to happen before anyone can proceed proceed.

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References

Houston, S. NextGen in a Nutshell. The History and Highlights of the Next Generation Air          Traffic Control System. Retrieved February 7, 2015 from                  http://aviation.about.com/od/ATC-Technology/p/What-Is-Nextgen.htm.

NextGen UAS Transponders. ADS-B ONE. Retrieved February 7, 2015 from                http://www.nextgenuastransponders.com/