The FAA Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is an ambitious plan that will modernize and optimize aviation in the United States. The program reaches the entire country in some way—research, testing, or implementation, if not all three. The FAA provides an interactive NextGen Implementation Map displaying the status of various technologies at http://www.faa.gov/about/ini
tiatives/nextgen/flashmap/. State Aviation Journal takes a brief look at some NextGen projects across the U.S. How will NextGen affect your state? Let SAJ know: send email to info@stateaviationjournal.com.
Alabama
The University of Alabama-Huntsville is participating in research focusing on the transition to Advanced Satellite Aviation-weather Products (ASAP) Project operations for NextGen. (http://science.larc.nasa.gov/asap/research-asap-crp.html)
Alaska
The Area Navigation system (RNAV) procedure has been implemented in the following airports: Adak, Akhiok, Anaktuvuk Pass, Anchorage, Arctic Village, Atka, Golovin, Juneau, Kaltag, Ketchikan, King Cove, Nondalton, Palmer, Perryville, Petersburg, Ruby, Sitka, and Willow.
Arizona
According to the FAA, since the implementation of two RNAV STARs at PHX in October 2006, significant benefits have been noted: 38 percent reduction in the time aircraft remain in level flight; user benefit savings estimated at $2 million annually; and reductions in carbon dioxide emissions estimated at 2500 metric tons annually.
Arkansas
Stuttgart Municipal Airport will use funds from the FAA Reauthorization bill to modernize the air traffic control system to a NextGen system.
California
Develop Ground Delay Program at San Francisco Airport will probabilistic forecast stratus field evaluation report. Continue tailored arrival (TA) flights at LAX and San Francisco airports.
Colorado
Initiate Special Air Activity (SAA) business case assessments for implementation at Denver International Airport. The FAA is implementing new Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Area navigation (RNAV) at Holyoke, Lake County, Nucia, Rifle, and Walden airports.
Connecticut
Windsor Locks Airport implemented the FLEX terminal environment plan in 2009, including Wake Turbulence Mitigation for Departures (WTMD), Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) Precision Approaches, Use Optimized Profile Descent, Provide Full Surface Situation Information, and Enhanced Surface Traffic Operations.
Delaware
Dover Airport is introducing new flight procedures as the airport implements RNAV arrivals/departures and LNAV with GPS approaches.
District of Columbia
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport’s RNP SAAAR approach to Runway 19 was designed to avoid the protected areas near the nation’s Capital and provide approved carriers with the ability to land in situations of decreasing visibility due to weather. (http://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=8768)
Florida
The FAA will demonstrate collaborative departure queue management of the Orlando airport to refine the concept of use (CONUSE) and development functional requirements and procedures. Florida is also a location for a NextGen Test Bed (integration of new and emerging technologies).
Georgia
The ERAM system is planned to be operational at the air traffic control tower at Atlanta-Hartsfield Airport by the end of 2010. (faa.gov and http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/04/21/tech/main6418760.shtml)
Hawaii
The ERAM system is planned to be operational at the air traffic control tower at Honolulu Airport by the end of 2010.
Idaho
The FAA is implementing new Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Area navigation (RNAV) at the Arco, Driggs, Grangeville, and Hailey airports.
Illinois
The ERAM system is planned to be operational at the air traffic control tower at Midway Airport by the end of 2010.
Indiana
The ERAM system is planned to be operational at the air traffic control tower at Indianapolis Airport by the end of 2010.
Iowa
Over 20 airports, including Dubuque Airport, are implementing LPV approaches, using the Wide Area Augmentation System, which allows equipped aircraft to descend 200–250 feet above the runway. This makes landings possible during periods of reduced visibility.
Kansas
The ERAM system is planned to be operational at the air traffic control tower at Kansas City Airport by the end of 2010.
Kentucky
Louisville Airport will have initial operating capability for ADS-B. The FAA is implementing new Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Area navigation (RNAV) at the Covington and Louisville airports.
Louisiana
Over 15 airports, including Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans, are implementing LPV approaches, using the Wide Area Augmentation System, which allows equipped aircraft to descend 200–250 feet above the runway. This makes landings possible during periods of reduced visibility.
Maine
Bangor Airport implemented the FLEX terminal environment plan in 2009, including Wake Turbulence Mitigation for Departures (WTMD), Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) Precision Approaches, Use Optimized Profile Descent, Provide Full Surface Situation Information, and Enhanced Surface Traffic Operations.
Maryland
A Converging Runway Display Aid is being evaluated for proposed use at Baltimore.
Massachusetts
The ERAM system is planned to be operational at the air traffic control tower at Boston Logan Airport by the end of 2010.
Michigan
ASDE-X, a safety system that also provides a foundation for follow-on surface management capabilities, has been implemented at the Detroit Airport.
Minnesota
The ERAM system is planned to be operational at the air traffic control tower at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport by the end of 2010.
Mississippi
Over 15 airports, including Gulfport-Biloxi Airport, are implementing LPV approaches, using the Wide Area Augmentation System, which allows equipped aircraft to descend 200–250 feet above the runway. This makes landings possible during periods of reduced visibility.
Missouri
The FAA is implementing Required Navigation Performance (RNP) procedures at the Kansas City (MCI) Airport.
Montana
The FAA is implementing new Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Area navigation (RNAV) at the Colstrip airport.
Nebraska
Over 30 airports are implementing LPV approaches, using the Wide Area Augmentation System, which allows equipped aircraft to descend 200–250 feet above the runway. This makes landings possible during periods of reduced visibility.
Nevada
The FAA is implementing new Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Area navigation (RNAV) at the Carson City, Las Vegas, and Reno airports.
New Hampshire
The FAA is implementing new Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Area navigation (RNAV) at the Manchester airport.
New Jersey
A NextGen Aviation Research and Technology Park will be built next to the William J. Hughes Technical Center at Atlantic City Airport, creating approximately 2,000 new jobs. (http://www.businessaviationtraining.com/aviation-press-releases/crda-funds-nextgen-aviation-research-park/)
New Mexico
The ERAM system is planned to be operational at the air traffic control tower at Albuguerque Airport by the end of 2010.
New York
Kennedy and LaGuardia Airports are part of the National Alliance to Advance NextGen, working for the immediate deployment of NextGen technology.
North Carolina
Charlotte Airport runway 17/35 will be completed as part of NextGen airfield development.
North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is researching the ability of unmanned robotic drones to communicate with one another using new FAA systems such as NextGen while in the air. (http://seekingalpha.com/instablog/321507-james-rickman/60100-aviation-nextgen-unmanned-commercial-flights)
Ohio
The ERAM system is planned to be operational at the air traffic control tower at Cleveland Airport by the end of 2010. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is starting to install NextGen air traffic control system.
Oklahoma
The En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system is planned to be operational at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City by the end of 2010.
Oregon
The FAA is implementing new Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Area navigation (RNAV) at the Portland airports.
Pennsylvania
Stage Two of airspace enhancements in the New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia area include reconfiguration of Philadelphia airspace. Philadelphia Airport has Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE-X), which provides detailed coverage of movement on runways and taxiways allowing controllers to detect potential conflicts. The ASDE-X at Philadelphia has been upgraded to receive ADS-B data. Additionally, the ASDE-X surveillance data will be used as a Traffic Information Service – Broadcast (TIS-B) source so pilots can see non-ADS-B targets on their cockpit displays.
Rhode Island
The FAA is implementing new Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Area navigation (RNAV) at Providence airport.
South Carolina
In Charleston, Optimized Profile Descent (OPD) uses Area Navigation (RNAV) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) with optimized vertical profiles. Future dynamic application could provide for the integration of ground automation tools and Data Communications to provide cleared trajectory path, which would be uplinked to the aircraft and crew and flown by the aircraft’s Flight Management System.
South Dakota
Seven regional airports are implementing LPV approaches, using the Wide Area Augmentation System, which allows equipped aircraft to descend 200–250 feet above the runway. This makes landings possible during periods of reduced visibility.
Tennessee
The FAA will demonstrate collaborative departure queue management of the Memphis airport to refine the concept of use (CONUSE) and development functional requirements and procedures.
Texas
Staffed NextGen tower at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. Houston Airport will have initial operating capability for ADS-B. This capability will extend into the Gulf of Mexico. Phase 3C of the Houston Area Airspace Transition System will expand airspace to the west, provide a third westbound departure route, shift southwest arrivals to Houston International and Houston Hobby, provide a new severe weather avoidance plan (SWAP) arrival route from the southwest, and provide dual capacity arrival routes from the northwest.
Utah
The ERAM system is planned to be operational at the air traffic control tower at Salt Lake City Airport by the end of 2010.
Vermont
Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport in North Clarendon, Vermont has received preliminary approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to expand its runway. The plan calls for the runway to be extended from 1,000 to 6,000 feet, but could cost between $30 and $50 million, and final approval and funding remain uncertain. (http://www.aviationairportdevelopmentlaw.com/2009/12/articles/aviation-and-airport-news/december-11-2009-aviation-and-airport-development-updates/)
Virginia
The FAA is implementing new Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Area navigation (RNAV) at Arlington and Dulles airports.
Washington
The ERAM system is planned to be operational at the air traffic control tower at Seattle-Tacoma Airport by the end of 2010.
West Virginia
Raleigh County Memorial Airport in Beckley is implementing LPV approaches, using the Wide Area Augmentation System, which allows equipped aircraft to descend 200–250 feet above the runway. This makes landings possible during periods of reduced visibility.
Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) is participating in research focusing on the transition to Advanced Satellite Aviation-weather Products (ASAP) Project operations for NextGen. (http://science.larc.nasa.gov/asap/research-asap-crp.html)
Wyoming
The FAA is implementing new Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Area navigation (RNAV) at Afton, Kemmerer, and Ten Sleep airports.
http://www.pilotquest.com/iap/current/ (list of FAA instrument flight procedure changes)
http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/nextgen/flashmap/ (FAA NextGen Flash Map)
