Several items of interest crossed my desk in recent weeks, all of them involving the FAA and its ongoing struggle with technology and funding. That the agency has difficulties identifying and implementing strategies embracing new hardware, software and procedures shouldnt come as a surprise to anyone whos been paying 288
Multiple Items
Several items of interest crossed my desk in recent weeks, all of them involving the FAA and its ongoing struggle with technology and funding. That the agency has difficulties identifying and implementing strategies embracing new hardware, software and procedures shouldnt come as a surprise to anyone whos been paying attention over the last few years. Yet, these news items point out the FAA doesnt seem to have learned anything from its past mistakes and is poised to make a few more.
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA faces challenges with its NextGen air traffic control system, particularly concerning extensive DoD GPS testing that causes signal unreliability and raises questions about reliable backup navigation once ground systems are phased out.
- Funding for NextGen equipment is uneven, with the FAA subsidizing a profitable airline (JetBlue) for new avionics, while the broader airline industry is expected to self-fund, and general aviation operators receive no assistance.
- The FAA's Airport and Airway Trust Fund is experiencing declining revenues and a low balance, with the author suggesting that untaxed airline service fees could be a potential source for replenishment.
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