The Next Generation of Air Traffic Control

The Next Generation of Air Traffic Control Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University October 1, 2013

Abstract

The Next Generation of Air Traffic Control

While radar used during the decades following WWII has evolved and updated, today it is outdated and requires vital changes in order to lower fuel costs, lessen CO2 emissions, save time and allow collaboration amongst air traffic controllers. In an effort to replace the current ground based systems, over the next several years, the Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen, is already being implemented. Despite the benefits of NextGen, it is also facing challenges such as cyber threats and delays in implementation due to budget cuts.

Next Generation Air Traffic Control

The Next Generation of Air Traffic Control

After the first flight in 1903, the skies were still bare and planes flew relatively short distances. One planes started flying longer and further, something needed be done in order to guide pilots from point A to point B. In the 1920s pilots started following ground based bonfires which formed the first air highways, and the first air traffic controllers waved flags to instruct pilots where to land and take off (Associated Press, 2008). These first steps were followed by rotating light beacons and then radio beacons. Radar developed during WWII was refined after the war and used by the civil aviation community for guidance and surveillance, and was first used to aid in landings (ieeeghn.org). While radar used during the decades following WWII has evolved and updated, today it is outdated and is essentially on its way to the boneyard along with many other pieces of once-great aviation technology. In an effort to replace the current ground based systems, over the next several years, the Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen, is already being implemented. The FAA has been developing this new generation of safer and more efficient air traffic system (Lauri, 2013). NextGen will replace the current ground based radar systems with more dependable and precise satellite systems. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, NextGen will make traveling by air more enjoyable for the passengers, preserve aviations economic vitality, and enhance safety (faa.gov). According to the FAAs estimates, by the year 2020 NextGen will reduce delays by 41 percent, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and save approximately 1.6 billion gallons of gas during this time frame.

The Next Generation of Air Traffic Control

In addition to the benefits major air carriers and their passengers will experience, general aviation will also see improvements. The use of ADS-B will make weather and other information available to pilots in order to prevent hazardous flying conditions. Most notably, NextGen will give pilots access to more airports during poor weather conditions. By using Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV), which are precision GPS approaches, along with Wide Area Augmentation System signals, pilots will have vertical guidance as low as 200 feet above the runway. LPVs are similar to Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) but much more economical and are quickly replacing ILS. As of March of 2013, there are three times as many LPV as ILS approaches (faa.gov). Not only will NextGen improve flying for both commercial and general aviation, but there are other benefits that can be easily forgotten. Ground operations at airports can be hectic and hazardous. Part of the NextGen implementation will include improved ground surveillance increasing safety on the airport surface. Ground controllers as well as the people operating the vehicles on the airport surface will be able to track all vehicles and each other using ADS-B transceivers to locate these vehicles using GPS signals (faa.gov). The implementation of NextGen is a huge undertaking that will include all facets of aviation personnel including pilots, controllers, operators and more. All of these people will need to be trained on the new systems, and installation of these systems will also take time. In addition, new policies will need to be created and put into place such as updated navigation procedures.

The Next Generation of Air Traffic Control

Something aviation professionals can agree on is that an updated system is necessary. Despite the acclaim and hard work, NextGen is also facing scrutiny. With the updated technology NextGen will bring to the skies, it may also allow serious cyber threats. With ADS-B becoming mandatory in the U.S. by 2020 and some aircraft already utilizing the technology, it may allow hackers to transmit fake messages or even create ghost aircraft that do not exist (Greenberg, 2012). While one fake plane or fictitious message may not be enough to cause a serious problem in a control tower, hundreds or thousands of ghost aircraft along with fictitious messages requesting information could crash computer systems and cause havoc. Hacking of the new air traffic system is possibility that the FAA is already taking steps to prevent. As a backup to ADS-B, the FAA plans to keep approximately half of the current radar systems in place. Another method of back-up is to compare suspicious messages against radar systems still in place as well as flight plans (Greenberg, 2012). These forms of back-up may not prevent confusion in the cockpit. Pilots will have to remain vigilant and rely on a variety of types of information, including looking out the window instead of relying solely on the information given to them on the screen. Original implementation schedules have been pushed back due to budget cuts, causing many delays. One example is Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems which replace equipment used by air traffic control. The original deadline for this update was 2017 and now both the cost and schedule are unknown. Another example is the En Route Automation Modernization System that updates the equipment used at 20 en route control centers. The original deadline was 2010 with a cost of $2.1

The Next Generation of Air Traffic Control

billion. The revised deadline is 2014 with an added $330 million in costs (Jackson, 2013). Despite challenges NextGen is facing, it is still an important and vital change to current air traffic control systems. The benefits of fuel savings, decreased travel times and smoother flowing systems will benefit the industry as well as the passengers. Perseverance during this transition will be necessary among aviation personnel on many different levels and management as well as other employees should keep in mind the benefits will outweigh the challenges.

The Next Generation of Air Traffic Control

References Air Traffic Control and Radar - GHN: IEEE Global History Network. (n.d.). IEEE Global History Network - GHN: IEEE Global History Network. Retrieved October 2, 2013, from http://www.ieeeghn.org/wiki/index.php/Air_Traffic_ Control_and_Radar FAA's Nextgen Implementation Plan. (2013). Washington, D.C.: Federal Aviation Administration. Fact Sheet: NextGen. (2007, February 14). FAA: Home. Retrieved October 2, 2013, from http://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsid=8145 Greenberg, A. (2012, July 25). Next-Gen Air Traffic Control Vulnerable To Hackers Spoofing Planes Out Of Thin Air - Forbes. Information for the World's Business Leaders - Forbes.com. Retrieved October 5, 2013, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2012/07/25/next-gen-air-trafficcontrol-vulnerable-to-hackers-spoofing-planes-out-of-thin-air/ Jackson, W. (2013, July 22). What's keeping FAA's NextGen air traffic control on the runway? -- GCN. GCN: Technology, Tools, and Tactics for Public Sector IT -GCN. Retrieved October 6, 2013, from http://gcn.com/Articles/2013/07/22/FAANext-Generation-Air-Transportation-System.aspx?Page=2 Lauri, N. (2013, July 19). FAA's air traffic modernization efforts face obstacles -- FCW. FCW: The Business of Federal Technology -- FCW. Retrieved October 5, 2013, from http://fcw.com/articles/2013/07/19/faa-ig-air-traffic.aspx Associated Press. (2008, October 10). A brief history of air traffic control - USA TODAY: Latest World and US. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from http://usatoday30. usatoday.com/travel/flights/2008-10-10-atc-history_N.htm

The Next Generation of Air Traffic Control

Why NextGen Matters. (n.d.). FAA: Home. Retrieved October 2, 2013, from http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/why_nextgen_matters/