Final rule for NextGen handed down by FAA
May 28, 2010, 04:20 pm
A final rule regarding the Next Generation Air Transportation System was recently handed down by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Through the rule, aircraft flying in particular parts of the country will have to make their positions known through the Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast system by 2020. The rule also dictates parameters for those broadcasts, including their power and accuracy.
The final rule was developed with input from members of the aviation community. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called it a milestone for the NextGen system.
"This technology represents another step forward in our ability to make America’s skies the safest in the world," LaHood said.
With NextGen, radar-based air traffic tracking systems will be replaced by a satellite-based GPS model. Through it, controllers will get second-by-second information on whereplanes are located, rather than the four-second threshold offered currently.
Along with the new rule, the FAA announced recently that three companies have received contracts to help further develop NextGen. Boeing, General Dynamics and ITT were awarded $4.4 billion to apply the program to the air traffic control system on a wider basis
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