Taking control of US airspace

The United States faces a challenging year. Political appointments made by incoming President Obama included Lynne Osmus as acting FAA administrator and Ray LaHood as transport secretary. The US airspace system urgently needs a more stable funding structure and modernisation must proceed at a faster pace if demand is to be met.

The FAA has relied on budget extensions for the past two years to fund its USD20 billion NextGen modernisation programme and there are no signs of an alternative solution in the near term. The agency has to find ways of driving forward its modernisation plans while building up its relationship with industry and the airlines.

Speaking at the annual Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) meeting in Washington in November 2008, FAA Acting Administrator Robert Sturgell said: "It is incumbent on all of us to keep the pressure on implementing NextGen. We have a crucial opportunity right now with the airlines pulling back because of the economy and fuel prices."

Sturgell called for a more meaningful role for the private sector, to help programmes move faster and to resolve problems such as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) implementation and equipage.

Yet the FAA is not meeting its current capital expenditure programme. For example, it lacks USD683 million for the tower replacement programme, USD147 million for terminal facilities, plus a further USD160 million for upgrade work.

Sturgell hinted at "facility collocation and consolidation" in the NextGen Implementation Plan, which is due in January 2009.

Image: Traffic Management Advisor in operation at Denver TRACON. According to the FAA, the use of TMA has led to savings for airlines. (NASA) 243 of 1,278 words