| |

Press Release: FAA Installs Equipment for NextGen Aircraft Tracking System


The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration today announced the completion of a nationwide infrastructure upgrade that will enable air traffic controllers to track aircraft with greater accuracy and reliability, while giving pilots more information in the cockpit. This upgrade is a key improvement in the Next Generation Air Transportation System.

“This upgrade is an important step in laying the foundation for the NextGen system, which provides controllers a much more precise view of the airspace, gives pilots much more awareness and information, and as a result strengthens the safety and efficiency of our system,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “This state-of-the-art satellite system is already providing controllers with visibility in places not previously covered by radar.”

The nationwide installation of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) radio network supports a satellite-based surveillance system that tracks aircraft with the help of GPS. This provides more accurate aircraft location information than the current radar system.

NextGen refers to a set of initiatives being implemented by the FAA in collaboration with the aviation community to ensure that the United States has the safest, most efficient airspace possible for decades to come. In addition to ADS-B, NextGen improvements are already delivering benefits that include more efficient air traffic procedures that save time and fuel and reduce emissions.

“The installation of this radio network clears the way for air traffic controllers to begin using ADS-B to separate equipped aircraft nationwide,” FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said. “It will also provide pilots flying aircraft equipped with the proper avionics with traffic information, weather data and other flight information.”

Of the 230 air traffic facilities across the country, 100 are currently using this system to separate traffic. It is expected to be connected and operating at all 230 facilities by 2019. All aircraft operating in controlled airspace must be equipped with ADS-B Out avionics that broadcast the plane’s location, by Jan. 1, 2020.

With the upgraded surveillance and broadcast system and aircraft equipped with ADS-B Out transponders, aircraft positions on controller screens update almost continuously, compared to every 4.7 seconds or longer with radar.
ADS-B also enables more accurate tracking of airplanes and airport vehicles on runways and taxiways, increasing safety and efficiency. The new system significantly improves surveillance capability in areas with geographic challenges like mountains or over water. Airplanes equipped with ADS-B In, which is not currently mandated, will give pilots information through cockpit displays about location in relation to other aircraft, bad weather and terrain, and temporary flight restrictions.

In addition to the operational benefits of ADS-B, each one of the 634 ground stations installed by Exelis of McLean, Va., is substantially smaller than a radar installation – resulting in less impact to the environment and less cost to maintain.

To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Dreamlifter enters Service

    EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The fourth Boeing (NYSE: BA) Dreamlifter – the final airplane in the fleet of specially modified 747-400s – entered service today. Dreamlifters transport the large composite structures of the 787 Dreamliner from partners around the world to Everett, Wash. for final assembly. The unique airplane, which was modified by Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corp. in Taipei, Taiwan, took off from Paine Field in Everett early this morning. Bound for Wichita, Kan., the Dreamlifter is returning the equipment used to transport the forward fuselage section known as section 41. The airplane’s registry is N718BA.
    Neg. K64881

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.

  • Boeing: Press Release

    Boeing Statement on President’s Remarks and the Need for Immediate Development of a Heavy-lift Vehicle

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., April 16, 2010 — Speaking at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on April 15, U.S. President Barack Obama unveiled proposed changes to the administration’s fiscal year 2011 budget submission for space exploration, including a crew rescue vehicle and a decision on a heavy-lift rocket in 2015. The Boeing Company responded today with the following statement:

    “The president’s enthusiasm for space exploration was encouraging. We are pleased that the president remains committed to human spaceflight. We remain convinced that America stands at an inflection point with regard to space: If we make the right decisions today, we have the opportunity to create a new Golden Age of Space. Our national leadership’s focus on this bodes well for our country and its highly experienced space industrial base.

    “Boeing has served as a major partner in humankind’s exploration of space since the beginning. Our talented people bring a mature understanding of NASA’s enduring needs; a practical, businesslike approach to innovation; and a commitment to mission assurance and the safety and success of our astronaut corps.

    “We are encouraged by the extension of the International Space Station program and look forward to enhancing scientific research onboard, upgrading the space station, and using it as a U.S. national laboratory. Benefits to be gained from extension of the space station include international cooperation; medical and pharmaceutical advancements; its use as a test bed for demonstrating Earth-observation capabilities and future exploration technologies; and the availability of a waypoint for future exploration missions.
    “Excellence in human spaceflight is an important part of the American identity and symbolizes global leadership on the highest of technological platforms. We are greatly concerned that by backing away from the challenges of human space exploration, the United States would relinquish its leadership of a mission that has inspired generations.

    “A bold national space program also supports the United States’ security and economy by fostering a domestic work force that is educated and skilled in science, technology, engineering and math. It encourages the growth of new technologies and emerging businesses, large and small.
    “We support the president’s call for increased investment in heavy-lift launch vehicle technology, but we believe the United States should be on a clear path to accelerate the development and production of this critical system, along with a deep-space capsule. Both of these vehicles are essential to any deep-space exploration mission. We have the technology and the people to commence development of these vehicles now. A plan that includes a heavy-lift vehicle would enable space exploration supported by humans, large-array telescopes and deep-space robotic missions. It could achieve maximum benefit from American tax dollars by drawing on the cutting-edge technology already being developed for the Constellation program.

    “Remaining at the forefront of human spaceflight is the only choice worthy of this great nation and to the long line of explorers and visionaries who brought us to where we are today.”

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.
  • |

    Boeing Press Release

    Boeing Delivers First 777 Freighters to Southern Air

    EVERETT, Wash., March 3 — Boeing (NYSE: BA) has delivered two 777 Freighters to Southern Air Holdings, Inc., the first 777s to join the Norwalk, Conn.-based cargo carrier’s fleet.

    The addition of these two airplanes makes Southern Air the world’s first aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) operator to feature the 777 Freighter.

    “We are thrilled to take delivery of our first two Boeing 777 Freighters, the most advanced aircraft of its kind, offering unmatched payload, range and fuel efficiency,” said Daniel J. McHugh, CEO of Southern Air. “The addition of these two airplanes begins a new era for Southern Air, as we are now able to provide a mix of next- and current-generation freighter airplanes to serve our customers’ needs. Boeing is a valued business partner and we are proud to celebrate this milestone for our company with them.”

    Southern Air has entered into an agreement to operate the two 777 Freighters on behalf of Thai Airways International. Thai Airways will utilize the full capacity of the 777 Freighters, becoming the first carrier in Southeast Asia to offer this capability to its freight customers.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.
  • | |

    FAA Moves Up Allegiant Air Audit from 2018 to 2016

    AllegiantThe FAA has confirmed that it is moving the routine audit of Allegiant Air from 2018 to 2016.

    According to a statement, “The FAA is conducting a routine National Certificate Holder Evaluation of Allegiant Air. We do these on each U.S.-certificated airline every five years. We moved up the date for Allegiant’s evaluation from 2018 to 2016 to ensure that work the carrier is doing to address various internal issues has resulted in the desired improvements. We expect to have the evaluation done by late June.”

    The evaluation schedule was moved due to a series of recent incidents. Recently, at least two Allegiant flights made emergency landings due to shortage of fuel. Furthermore, last week an Allegiant plane made an emergency landing in Phoenix due to engine failure.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.
  • |

    FAA Celebrates Completion of San Francisco International Airport Recovery Act Projects

    For Immediate Release
    August 27, 2010

    SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today marked the completion of $14.5 million in runway projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) that will ensure continued safety for flights at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
    “The Recovery Act made it possible for this important safety work to happen ahead of schedule,” said U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “These projects kept workers in good-paying jobs, and these safety improvements will benefit the airport and passengers for years to come.”

    On Friday, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt marked the completion of the work at an event at San Francisco International Airport. A $5.5 million ARRA grant allowed the Runway 10L/28R project to be completed a year ahead of schedule. Runway 1R/19L was also completed two years ahead of schedule thanks to a $9 million ARRA grant.
    “Healthy runways are safe runways,” said Administrator Babbitt. “Old pavement can crumble, creating debris that can damage aircraft and shut runways down causing delays for passengers.”

    The Recovery Act-funded projects leveled out two runways that tend to settle over time because of ground conditions. The new asphalt concrete resurface also will prevent unexpected runway shutdowns due to pavement breakdown, and will guard against crumbling pavement creating debris that can damage aircraft. The work also included: paving both runways with asphalt concrete; reconstructing sections of the runways; upgrading the runway and taxiway lighting systems with more energy efficient LED lighting; re-painting runway markings to increase visibility and improve safety for aircraft on the airfield; and improving the surrounding drainage system.
    Granite Rock Company of Watsonville, Calif. was the prime contractor for both projects, which required 92,000 tons of asphalt concrete covering 3.46 million square feet of runways. Work on both runway projects was done on the weekends to minimize disruption to the traveling public.

    The Recovery Act funded an additional $22.4 million in upgrades to airports and facilities in and around the San Francisco Bay Area.

    At Oakland International Airport, $14.9 million in Recovery Act funding is being used in the reconstruction of a large apron area used by airlines and cargo carriers and to reconfigure a taxiway. By replacing old apron pavement, the project will improve efficiency and allow larger aircraft to use the taxiway.

    In San Jose, a $5.17 million Recovery Act grant is funding the extension a taxiway at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport. This project, which was recommended by an FAA Runway Safety Action Team, will improve safety by eliminating the need for private planes to cross a runway while taxing to an engine run-up area.

    An additional $2.4 million in Recovery Act funds is being employed to modernize and make safety upgrades at area facilities and airports.
    Nationwide, $1.3 billion in Recovery Act money has been made available for both airport improvement projects and air traffic control facility and system upgrades. These Recovery Act grants have been distributed to airports that serve commercial passengers, cargo and general aviation.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.

  • IATA e-freight goes-live in Austria

    Vienna – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today announced that IATA e-freight is now operational in Austria, with Vienna Airport being Austria’s first airport to implement the e-freight standard.

    IATA e-freight is one of the Simplifying the Business projects that improve service and cut costs. It aims to take the paper out of the air cargo supply chain. Facilitated by IATA, the project is an industry-wide initiative involving carriers, freight forwarders, ground handlers, shippers and customs authorities. IATA e-freight effectively eliminates the need to send 20 core paper documents with air cargo shipments, hence streamlining processes, improving speed and reliability and cutting costs.

    The e-freight implemention in Austria is truly a industry effort, with participation from the whole supply chain. The e-freight implementation team was led by Emirates Sky Cargo and Lufthansa Cargo. The team started the implementation process in April 2010 and delivered IATA e-freight on schedule. The strong support and involvement of the forwarding community and their association including DHL Global Forwarding, Kühne & Nagel and Schenker, as well as the Bundesministerium für Finanzen (BMF) and the local customs authorities contributed to the success of the e-freight implementation. Austria is the 28th e-freight location worldwide to deliver paper-free cargo.

    With e-freight implemented in Austria, there will be time savings for the transportation and availability of goods by up to 24 hours due to the electronic clearance and paper free process. E-freight will also bring similar benefits to other airports in Austria. IATA aims to build on the success at Vienna Airport to implement e-freight in more airports in Austria, starting with Salzburg and Linz.

    IATA’s target is to implement e-freight in 44 countries by the end of 2010, representing more than 80% of global air-freight volumes. These countries need to have the appropriate international treaties and customs framework in place in order to be able to implement e-freight.

    IATA e-freight is also operational in Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Chinese Taipei, Denmark, Dubai, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.