NextGen?

Boatinman Newcomer Minnesota

I've been reading about NextGen AirTraffic Modernization. Does anyone know what it is? I'm 21 and going to start CTI next winter (gotta finish my degree first says my dad). I just hope there are still some jobs left by the time I'm ready to be hired. Are they trying to increase the workload on controllers to cut back on jobs by making controlling more computerized?

UNDgrad06 Senior Analyst Memphis, TN

NextGen has a lot of crap in it, but from what I have read here is what the FAA is going towards in the next 10 years...

1. Moving from ground based navigational aides to satellites/GPS. This will allow more direct routes and possibly more planes closer together since they say GPS is more accurate than radar.

2. Moving a lot of radio clutter to some sort of text messaging system. Similar to something like ACARS thats in most planes already. Planes could get clearances via text message. Also long term maybe even move things like frequency changes and some other basic control instructions to text messages.

3. A ton of other stuff, but basically a lot of it involves just modernizing technology and actually using stuff that was developed within the last 50 years. Radar is great and all but not really that accurate.

There will be plenty of jobs left in the future, but they will be harder to come by in this economy. It will be a long while before the flying public will be OK with no pilots in the planes or no controllers in the tower.

phillyman2633 Epic Member KDAB

NextGen is the FAA's new system that will require any aircraft operating in Class A, B, C, D, or E airspace to have special ADS-B equipment installed in the aircraft which will allow all air traffic to see each other. It is also supposed to modernize the way IRF flights operate, allowing for basically direct flights from point A to B with smoother approach transitions all the way to touchdown. It will probably also allow for CPDLC into most cockpits for easier dissemination of flight plan and clearance info to reduce copy errors and frequency congestion, though nothing is supposed to go 'live' until 2020 (or so they say...you know how the FAA is with deadlines).

You can find more info here:
Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen)

phillyman2633 Epic Member KDAB

Beat me to it, jerk :chug:

otterstrom Trusted Member of NATCA

nextgen = bull

SCOPED Senior Analyst Gods Country, Alaska

This already is implemented in ATOP and the function is used hundreds of times per day at ZAN, ZOA and ZNY. It is Computer data link communication or CPDLC and it works well in oceanic airspace. They also use it in our domestic sectors but not as often. They mainly use it for altitudes and when there is poor radio coverage. Do you have this capability with your System? ZAN uses a different system then everyone else.

P_to_the_R Ruler of the Movement Area funkytown

NexGen is the catch all phrase for all of the above posts and everything else they are doing to bring new technology into the NAS. Anyone with a brain knows this is good stuff but it wont really affect the problems we have today. The best way to solve the delays is to build more runways...period. Making it easier for an aircraft to travel from SFO to LGA only means that they will be doing more circles in holding or be held on the ground. Without more runways, nothing will fix the problems.

phillyman2633 Epic Member KDAB

CPDLC=Controller pilot data link communications

BonanzaMan Junior Member

Correct except won't be required in class E.

phillyman2633 Epic Member KDAB

Oh I thought it would be required in any controlled airspace