The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) expressed its support for a new online dashboard developed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide updates on the status of modernization of the country’s air traffic control (ATC) network.
The new Modern Skies dashboard provides information about ATC modernization projects already underway and updates at more than 4,600 FAA sites across the country, accompanied by a map overlay detailing specific efforts. Users can also enter their zip code for more information about ATC upgrades and their benefits in their communities.
“We are pleased to see the administration continuing to make progress on the most significant transformation of our National Airspace System (NAS) since the dawn of the jet age,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “This project is a national imperative, and the new, user-friendly dashboard is a helpful tool to monitor and measure the work being done to enhance the safety and efficiency of the NAS for all stakeholders and ensure that America remains the world’s aviation leader for decades to come.”
View the Modern Skies dashboard.
ATC modernization programs now underway include replacing legacy copper telecommunications lines and equipment with fiber-optics and wireless infrastructure; replacement of legacy radios and control equipment across 1,581 ATC facilities with modern digital communications systems; automation upgrades to streamline surface and terminal operations; improvement or replacement of facilities; and a sharp focus on rebuilding the controller workforce.
NBAA is an executive member of the Modern Skies Coalition, a powerful group of more than 60 aviation associations dedicated to building a brand-new air traffic control system with the support of an initial $12.5 billion investment approved by Congress last year as a downpayment on ATC modernization.
While the new Modern Skies dashboard is separate from the coalition, Bolen noted its significance in furthering understanding and transparency of what is ultimately expected to be a $35 billion project.
The nation’s ATC system serves approximately 45,000 flights and 2.9 million passengers every day.
