NextGen is a new technology that I can not wait for. There has been a lot of talk about NextGen for a few years now. There are many benefits of NextGen which I will talk about, but with anything good, it will come at a cost for someone.
In this short video by the FAA they say that in 2009 we had 689 Million passengers and 36 Billion pounds of cargo and those numbers are expected to increase by 50% in 2025. So with more air traffic we know we will be needing a new, better and faster system. NextGen provides pilots, and ATC with real time information. Pilots will know where they are in relation to other aircraft and the ground. We will be moving from radar systems to satelitte technology. More airplanes would be able to fly closer together; 500 feet of vertical seperation will be the new standards. All this will lead to 20% reduction of en route errors, reduced fuel cost, more direct routes which will lead to faster flights, and fewer delays, and enhanced security by giving the FAA, Homeland Security, and the Military more effective means of watching traffic.
The FAA has already invested 128 Million in 2007, 216 Million in 2008, 659 Million in 2009, and 868 Million in 2010. That is a lot of money that shows that NextGen is coming soon. The problem lies with general aviation. If all aircraft will be required to install new equipment, how will aircraft owners afford to install new equipment, in partical the Automatic Dependent Surveillence Brodcast (ADS-B). The airplanes will litterally talk to each other to avoid mid air collisions by informing the pilots where to go. Another problem is that the NextGen system will eliminate 75% of the FAA workforce (according to my avt 315 professor). So it will come with cost, but is expected to save money in the long run.
I think NextGen will eventually be proven as a cost saving tool over the long run for both our government and the commercial aviation industry. Therefore, I think that the majority of the cost for implementing NextGen should be divided between the government and the commercial aviation industry (e.g. major and regional airlines). In the long run it will make more sense to charge everyone user fees so that NextGen will continue to run efficiently and safely. Also, the government should allow sufficient time for everyone to transition to NextGen and subsidize the cost for any disadvantaged segments of the general aviation industry.
ReplyDeleteThat’s it, you’ve just said it.
ReplyDeleteIn the long run, America and its aviation industry is the winner. I truly understand that all parties will suffer in order to fund it, especially GA owners and operators. But just like any other project, I feel that the money will exist as long as the need for the new system becomes more serious. The industry is full of examples about how soon the money will come if a “good” reason or situation arises!!
Nice link..
I have to say your opening statement is one that I have to agree with. I am very interested in new technology and also can not wait to see all of the benefits of NextGen in operation. And although the initial cost to put it into play will be great, I believe that the price tag will be long forgotten once the estimated safety and savings are fully realized.
ReplyDeleteNice video link and discussion about what NextGen is, but your discussion about who should pay is incomplete.
ReplyDeleteI like your excitement for the system. I too am rather excited. It will make flying a lot safer from commercial all the way down to your weekend flyers. I fear we will be waiting for quite some time before all of this is implemented though. The cost seems astronomical and our current economic situation is not going to help speed this along.
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