USA Today wrote an extensive article about the FAA’s Next Generation air traffic control system. This system is on the governments radar as the next generation of air traffic control that promises to utilize satellite navigation verses ground radar systems. The system is supposed to revolutionize the air traffic control system by streamlining the way aircraft are processed from point to point. This process now is decades old and sorely in need of an upgrade. The technology exists, and has been in place for years. The USA Today paper claims that it is a joint problem between airlines and the government that has stalled the process. The problem lies in the fact finding. Most of the aircraft that are operated in the USA are newer aircraft designs that are fully capable of utilizing satellite navigation. Aircraft such as the Airbus series have been doing this very thing since the 1980′s. So whats the problem? The problem lies soley on the US Government and their slow motion approach to everything from balancing the nations budget to improving air travel. Airlines will never be the root cause of this and here is why. 1. The Next Gen system saves time and money. The average flight from point A to point B costs “x” amount of money. If you can shorten the route, reduce delays and save fuel all at once every airline would be foolish not to partake in the trmendous savings to be had. The airline industry is a cut throat business, to say its competitive is an understaement. A few months ago Airbus announced a new engine design that touts at least a ten percent fuel savings per segment. Airlines responded by pre ordering them like crazy. Why? Because this translates to billions of dollars. The next generation Air traffic control savings will ,make that look like chump change. 2. The actual amount of aircraft that are not equipped for satellite navigation is very small. Airlines that operate these aircraft need to upgrade to equipment capable is a small number. Those aircraft are old and need to be replaced anyway. The reasons airlines operate them is because they have been paid for and cost less than a new aircraft. However once these airlines bean counters do the math and see hoe much money they will be saving it will crystal clear on what to do. The biggest impact will be on foreign aircraft since they do operate some of the older aircraft. (smaller countries) 3 . Any opportunity to improve on time departures and on time arrivals is welcome for public relations. Keeping things running smoothly is a benefit everyone benefits from. What most of your typical aviation reporting will not tell you is that most airline pilots are already trained for these types of procedures and approaches. The airlines are actually way ahead of Uncle Sam in this regard. Training was ramped up a year ago so that when the system gets turned on, the airlines are ready. So make no bones about it, this delay and lack of implementation lies soley on the governments shoulders. With the amount of press they are getting about deficits and spending cuts it will be a miracle if the system ever gets off the ground.
Posted on: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 00:20:46 +0000