It's ironic that the US Department of Transportation picked mid-June to release its latest evaluation of how the Federal Aviation Administration is doing with its management of the nascent next generation air transport (NextGen) system. That's because all around the world, mid-June also marks the onset of much gnashing of teeth when too many students bring home final report cards with failing grades.
The FAA's report card, the product of 22 months of analysis by the DOT's office of inspector general, was no different. Yes there were some "As" on the sheet, but the many "Fs" damp any desire to celebrate.
Here's just one: the FAA was supposed to have made 51 decisions in fiscal year 2009 per a predefined roadmap, including the decision on architecture for how more-comprehensive weather products will be disseminated in the 2025 timeframe when NextGen is supposed to be in full swing. If you're going to increase traffic capacity by a factor of three, having the right kind of weather data would appear to be crucial.
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Yet the decision on a NextGen weather processor was not made, nor were 40 other decisions. Also not made? Declaring the responsibilities and level of automation expected for pilots and controllers. There, surely, is a key concern given that airframers are now publicly talking about single-pilot airliners.
The inspector general also found that a variety of projects aimed at demonstrating NextGen benefits in 2012-18 "lack co-ordination and are not outcome-based". Among other things, the FAA needs to develop sufficient data to establish a path for certificating new systems and must set "realistic expectations".
Yes, it's easier to critique a monumental upgrade to the way air traffic control has been handled for decades than to actually be the agency behind the controls, but heeding an independent assessment by a knowledgeable outsider who has been tracking the programme since its launch in 2005 would appear to be wise.
Like a smart student, the FAA has pledged to do better in the next semester. The agency agreed with the inspector general's findings and five recommendations, which include a review of how defence department technology, like satellite-based precision landing systems, might save the FAA from having to reinvent the wheel.
But as with most students with myriad distractions, continued vigilance will be essential to ensuring the ultimate goal is met on time and on budget - graduation to a viable long-term air transport system.
Source: Flight International
