FAA NextGen Fact Sheet Highlights Future Integration of Drones and Advanced Aircraft
FAA Announces Operational Status of NextGen Systems
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a fact sheet on August 17 detailing updates to the National Airspace System (NAS) and outlining plans for ongoing modernization efforts.
Overview of NextGen
The Next Generation Air Transportation System, commonly referred to as NextGen, has significantly modernized the technology used in U.S. air traffic management. This initiative has transitioned the system towards digital communications, satellite-enabled navigation and surveillance, automation, and integrated data sharing.
According to the FAA, NextGen programs are now fully operational. Key advancements include:
- Digital communications that enhance voice communications between pilots and air traffic controllers.
- A shift from ground-based navigation and surveillance systems to primarily satellite-enabled technologies.
- Improved information sharing through a unified connection, moving away from segmented systems.
The FAA reports that NextGen has generated $10.9 billion in benefits from 2010 to 2023, stemming from over 20 capabilities implemented more than 200 times nationwide.
Technological Foundations of NextGen
Several key technologies support the transition to NextGen:
- Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B): This technology has replaced ground-based radar as the primary source of aircraft surveillance.
- Performance Based Navigation: This system provides more precise routing and procedures using satellite-enabled navigation.
- Data Communications: This allows for digital exchanges of instructions between controllers and pilots, reducing reliance on radio communications.
- System Wide Information Management (SWIM): SWIM serves as the digital data-sharing backbone of NextGen, facilitating near-real-time sharing of aeronautical, flight, weather, and surveillance information.
The FAA emphasizes that NextGen enables a transition from tactical, reactive air traffic control to strategic, integrated air traffic management, with a focus on Trajectory Based Operations that provide a comprehensive understanding of planned aircraft paths in three dimensions and time.
Integration of Drones in NextGen
The FAA has included uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) in its framework for “Non-Traditional Operations.” The agency acknowledges the need to accommodate the growth of various aviation forms operating at different altitudes.
To safely integrate UAS, spacecraft, and other emerging aircraft into the NAS, the FAA is developing traffic management concepts and evaluating relevant technologies. Key technologies supporting UAS integration include:
- DroneZone
- Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC)
- Airborne Collision Avoidance System
- Remote Identification
The FAA also highlights published concepts of operation for UAS Traffic Management and Urban Air Mobility.
Future of Airspace Modernization
The fact sheet concludes by outlining the next phase of airspace modernization. The FAA indicates that with NextGen established, it is beginning to shift towards a new iteration of airspace modernization.
The agency envisions a future airspace system that is interconnected through advanced communication networks and flexible enough to accommodate a diverse range of operations. Traffic management services will aim to integrate an increasing number and variety of aircraft and new missions into the NAS.