Next Generation Air Transportation System
The Future of the “Next Generation Air Transportation System”
October 23, 2011
Tech 3020
By: Joel Borton
The Future of the Next Generation Air Transportation System
Since the Wright brother’s first flight over Kitty Hawk 108 years ago, the accomplishments of the human race in aerospace have been nothing short of miraculous. The United States aerospace and aviation industry has developed into a crucial element of the global infrastructure. It is an industry that moves people and goods quickly and virtually anywhere in the world. However, aerospace and aviation is an industry at risk. While there may be a temporary pause given the current economy, the steady increase in air traffic will continue, increasing pressure on aircraft operations and Air Traffic Control. Despite some improvements in efficiency, the air transportation system is still not managed as effectively as possible, resulting in delays that expand throughout the network. A safe, secure, and efficient air system is vital to U.S. prosperity and competitiveness in the global economy. Replacement of our 1960’s era system with the 21st century Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is essential.
Next Generation Air Transportation System – An Introduction There are several ways of how NextGen will lead to advances in technology and more closely integrate aircraft into the system of the future. NextGen represents an all-encompassing transformation of the entire national air transportation system. It has become apparent that there are three main benefits to integrating NextGen. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website for NextGen, the three main benefits in which they hope will meet future demands is to reduce aviation’s environmental footprint, decrease delays, and avoid gridlock in the sky and airports. In order for NextGen to run smoothly there are several parts of the NextGen
October 23, 2011
Tech 3020
By: Joel Borton
The Future of the Next Generation Air Transportation System
Since the Wright brother’s first flight over Kitty Hawk 108 years ago, the accomplishments of the human race in aerospace have been nothing short of miraculous. The United States aerospace and aviation industry has developed into a crucial element of the global infrastructure. It is an industry that moves people and goods quickly and virtually anywhere in the world. However, aerospace and aviation is an industry at risk. While there may be a temporary pause given the current economy, the steady increase in air traffic will continue, increasing pressure on aircraft operations and Air Traffic Control. Despite some improvements in efficiency, the air transportation system is still not managed as effectively as possible, resulting in delays that expand throughout the network. A safe, secure, and efficient air system is vital to U.S. prosperity and competitiveness in the global economy. Replacement of our 1960’s era system with the 21st century Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is essential.
Next Generation Air Transportation System – An Introduction There are several ways of how NextGen will lead to advances in technology and more closely integrate aircraft into the system of the future. NextGen represents an all-encompassing transformation of the entire national air transportation system. It has become apparent that there are three main benefits to integrating NextGen. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website for NextGen, the three main benefits in which they hope will meet future demands is to reduce aviation’s environmental footprint, decrease delays, and avoid gridlock in the sky and airports. In order for NextGen to run smoothly there are several parts of the NextGen
References: HUMBERTSON, R., & SINHA, A. (2009). NextGen Benefits. (2010, May 23). Retrieved October 23, 2011, from http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/benefits/ Why NextGen Matters