FAA Briefs: March 2010
By Kim Stevens
The FAA recently posted the 2010 Implementation Plan on NextGen. In his letter to the aviation community, J. Randolph Babbitt, FAA administrator, said 2010 will be a key year for NextGen. "Ongoing investments in airport infrastructure -- runways, terminals and technology -- will ensure we are able to take full advantage of the renovation in our fleets and air traffic system."
The NextGen report identifies the nation's airports as among the FAA's most important partners in the effort to implement this new technology. The report goes on to say that in the face of increasing demand, airports are being called on to provide additional capacity in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner.
Babbitt concluded in his letter that the NextGen era is upon us. "With this agency, this industry and this country are now firmly committed to this path forward. It's time to roll up our sleeves and work together to maintain the NextGen momentum achieved over the past year."
Why NextGen Matters
According to the plan, many people will benefit from NextGen, whether they travel frequently by air or if they never fly at all. Travelers will enjoy fewer delays and safer, more predictable trips. People living in neighborhoods near airports will experience less aircraft noise and emissions. And communities will make better use of their airports, strengthening the local economy.
For the general aviation community, the report states that this means improved access to the system and more options for landing in reduced visibility conditions at a greater number of airports.
The report states that complexity and uncertainty cannot be an excuse for inaction. "NextGen implementation is a long-term endeavor. Implementing solutions that offer near-term benefits by building on today's needs and capabilities while providing a foundation for even greater capabilities and benefits over the mid- and long-term necessitates a deliberate, incremental, building-block approach for NextGen."
Olsson stands ready and is committed to assist airports in developing solutions and helping airports position themselves to take advantage of the FAA's plan.
More information about NextGen implementation is available at www.faa.gov/nextgen.
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You can reach Kim Stevens with Olsson Associates at kstevens@oaconsulting.com.
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