LaHood: Obama committed to NextGen
February 8, 2011, 05:29 pm
Ray LaHood, secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has confirmed that President Barack Obama remains committed to developing and implementing the NextGen air traffic control system, according to Air Transport World.
LaHood reportedly told the audience at a legislative conference for two airport groups that updating to the NextGen air traffic control system remains a "very important priority for President Obama." He also stated that the president's commitment to the satellite-based program would become evident with the unveiling of the 2012 fiscal budget.
LaHood concurred that updating air traffic technology is a necessity. "Technology we have in our cars these days is more up to date than what we have in our cockpits," he reportedly told the audience.
Some aspects of the proposed NextGen system have important safety implications for general aviation. According to Meredith Saini of Aircraft Owner Online, the AGS-B feature will make it so that "pilots will have access to improved traffic and weather information in the cockpit, which if used properly can enhance situational awareness and safety."
Even though this system can potentially improve safety for pilots, it will not eliminate all the hazards they face while flying. Therefore, they should not take flight without pilot insurance, to ensure their families are provided for in the event of their death.
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