The United States air traffic control system, managed by the Federal Aviation Ad

Question

The United States air traffic control system, managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), provides the necessary guidance for aircraft to fly safely between and origin– destination pair. The current system utilizes a series of radar towers throughout the United States that communicate navigational assistance to pilots while in the air. These towers are placed strategically in the United States so aircraft can fly in a relatively straight line from Point A to Point B. Aircraft must fly within a certain distance of these towers to remain in constant contact. This is a disadvantage since it allows basically one route between two points, allowing for only one type of aircraft to utilize that route. However, within the route, multiple aircraft can operate but at different altitudes.
The FAA is implementing the NextGen Technology to replace the aging radar system. It will be fully implemented by January 1, 2020. NextGen utilizes GPS satellite technology to allow multiple routes and elevations between two points for an aircraft.

CASE QUESTIONS
1.   In your opinion, what impact could NextGen have on airspace congestion, especially in the Northeast Corridor?
2.   Would NextGen have a positive or negative impact on passenger safety? 3.   What impacts might NextGen have on aircraft efficiency and fuel consumption? 4.   Are there any negative impacts from the implementation of NextGen Technology?

Explanation / Answer

1. As mentioned in the above article that aircrafts needs to be at a closer distance of the radars to be connected to them which restricts the movement of other aircrafts at the same time. This, according to me might impact the airspace congestion especially in the Northeast corridor where the air traffic is pretty high. There would be impact due to delays or change in timings for most of the aircrafts thereby disappointing passengers.

2. NextGen is designed in away to provide passenger safety. The steps taken are to ensure that aircrafts are moving safely from origin to the destination point is a safe and secure manner.

3. There would not be much effect on fuel consumtion, infact it would be lesser because the routes designed would be shorter than the regular routes that are carried. Also, the impact on aircraft efficiency might vary a bit as the aircrafts would be restricted to only some movements.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.