Sorting Out NextGen

With high expectations, we set out to bring you a comprehensive report on those parts of NextGen-the next generation of air traffic control-that are now up and running. Intensive internet research plus interviews with many FAA controllers, FAA engineers, vendors, consultants and even FAA administrator Randy Babbitt, showed otherwise.

Fred Simonds

Tuesday, December 02, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

NextGen, the next generation of air traffic control, is a multi-technology system currently in various stages of development, with components like LPV approaches, RNAV routes, ASDE-X, and ERAM already operational or expanding.
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is the core technology, with a mandate for ADS-B Out equipage expected by 2020 for specific airspace and major rollout decisions, including a ground station buildout, scheduled for 2010.
The FAA plans to implement a "Best-Equipped, Best-Served" (BEBS) model, where ADS-B equipped aircraft may receive preferential access and services, which raises concerns about equipage costs (estimated $8,000-$11,000 for ADS-B Out) and operational complexity.

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With high expectations, we set out to bring you a comprehensive report on those parts of NextGen—the next generation of air traffic control—that are now up and running. Intensive internet research plus interviews with many FAA controllers, FAA engineers, vendors, consultants and even FAA administrator Randy Babbitt, showed otherwise.

Underneath the hype, NextGen really consists of five transformational technologies, only some of which are defined, let alone up and running. Here’s our best stab at NextGen’s status today and what we can expect in 2010.