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{{Short description|US airspace system modernization project}}
{{POV|date=November 2023}}
The '''Next Generation Air Transportation System''' ('''NextGen''') is the current [[United States|U.S.]] [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) program to modernize the [[National Airspace System]] (NAS). The FAA began work on NextGen improvements in 2007 and plans to finish implementation by 2030.<ref>[https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/BusinessCaseForNextGen-2016.pdf 2016 Update to The Business Case for the Next Generation Air Transportation System] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804121920/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/BusinessCaseForNextGen-2016.pdf |date=2016-08-04 }} based on the Future of the NAS Report</ref><ref name="auto7">{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/futureOfTheNAS.pdf|title=Future of the NAS|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221003424/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/futureOfTheNAS.pdf|archive-date=2016-12-21|url-status=dead}}</ref> Modernization goals include using new technologies and procedures to increase NAS safety, efficiency, capacity, access, flexibility, predictability, and resilience while reducing aviation's [[environmental impact of aviation|environmental impact]].

== History ==
The need for NextGen became apparent during the summer of 2000 when air travel was impeded by severe congestion and costly delays. Two years later, the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry recommended that a multiagency task force develop an integrated plan to transform the U.S. air transportation system. 

In 2003, Congress passed the Vision 100 – Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act, which established the [[Joint Planning and Development Office]] (JPDO) to create a unified vision of what the U.S. air transportation system should deliver for the next generation and beyond, to develop and coordinate long-term research plans, and to sponsor cross-agency mission research.

The result of the JPDO's efforts was the creation of the "Integrated National Plan for the Next Generation Air Transportation System" in 2004,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tg.hfes.org/astg/papers/Natl_Plan_NGATS_v5.pdf|title=Integrated National Plan for the Next Generation Air Transportation System|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065927/http://tg.hfes.org/astg/papers/Natl_Plan_NGATS_v5.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> which defined high-level goals, objectives, and requirements to transform the air transportation system. In addition to the Department of Transportation and FAA, the plan involved other government agencies with responsibilities in air transportation services, including the [[NASA|National Aeronautics and Space Administration]] (NASA), [[National Weather Service]], [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]], and [[Transportation Security Administration]].

The JPDO released the "Concept of Operations for the Next Generation Air Transportation System"<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a535795.pdf|title=Concept of Operations for the Next Generation Air Transportation System|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012213821/http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a535795.pdf|archive-date=2015-10-12|url-status=live}}</ref> to the aviation stakeholder community in 2007. The concept of operations provided the overview of NextGen goals for 2025. Growth of the NextGen concept was evolutionary, and the JPDO document continued to be updated through 2011. The same year, the FAA published the first version of its expanded Operational Evolution Partnership,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nextor.org/Conferences/200709_NAS_Performance/0905_2b_Swennson%20-%20OEP.pdf|title=Operational Evolution Partnership|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065839/http://www.nextor.org/Conferences/200709_NAS_Performance/0905_2b_Swennson%20-%20OEP.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> which outlined the agency's path to NextGen through 2025.

The original integrated national plan included airport surface and passenger terminal operations and was known as a "curb-to-curb" solution. The concept of operations was intended to drive cross-agency research to validate the concepts and to eliminate ideas and alternatives that were not operationally feasible or beneficial. The FAA focused on the pieces of the air transportation system for which it was responsible – the "gate-to-gate" components. In 2011, the FAA published the report "NextGen Mid-Term Concept of Operations for the National Airspace System." The FAA concept of operations was consistent with the JPDO's broad set of objectives, including maintaining safety and security, increasing capacity and efficiency, ensuring access to airspace and airports, and mitigating environmental impacts. The report identified several key transformational concepts as necessary to achieve NextGen goals and objectives, such as precision navigation and network-enabled information access.

Changes were underway in 2008 when the FAA started to move key parts of NextGen, such as [[Automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast|Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast]] (ADS-B), from design to delivery. NextGen progress involved expanded research and development capability, participation by the aviation industry and international partners, and support by the White House and Congress, which are highlighted in this section.

The agency established a research and development facility, known as a testbed, at [[Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University|Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University]] in [[Daytona Beach, Florida|Daytona Beach]], Florida, in 2008. In 2010, the FAA dedicated another testbed, the NextGen Integration and Evaluation Capability Laboratory at the [[William J. Hughes Technical Center]] in Atlantic City, New Jersey, for researchers to simulate and evaluate the effects of NextGen components on the NAS. The lab's capability grew in 2013 with a contract awarded to [[General Dynamics]] to provide engineering, software design and development, infrastructure, and administrative support.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press-releases/2013/03/general-dynamics-awarded-12-million-support-federal-aviation|title=General Dynamics Awarded $12 Million to Support Federal Aviation Administration System Engineering 2020 Program|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2016-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204140431/http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press-releases/2013/03/general-dynamics-awarded-12-million-support-federal-aviation|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2008, the FAA signed agreements with [[Honeywell]] and ACSS to accelerate testing and installation of NextGen technology to detect and alert pilots of safety hazards on the airport surface.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2008/11/03/faa-signs-contract-with-honeywell-acss/|title=FAA Signs Contract with Honeywell, ACSS|date=November 3, 2008|website=Aviation Today|access-date=September 18, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152250/https://www.aviationtoday.com/2008/11/03/faa-signs-contract-with-honeywell-acss/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[NetJets]] also agreed to equip part of its fleet to test some programs in various areas of the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.netjets.com/News/2015/faa-partners-with-netjets-on-implementing-nextgen-technologies--/|title=FAA Partners With NetJets on Implementing NextGen Technologies|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2015-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019123634/https://www.netjets.com/News/2015/faa-partners-with-netjets-on-implementing-nextgen-technologies--/|url-status=dead}}</ref> By 2010, the FAA awarded [[Computer Support Services]] Inc. a $280 million contract to perform engineering work for NextGen, the first of six contracts that would be awarded under an umbrella portfolio contract. [[Boeing]], [[General Dynamics]], and [[ITT Inc.|ITT Corp.]] received FAA contracts worth up to $4.4 billion to demonstrate on a large scale how NextGen concepts, procedures, and technologies could be integrated into the current NAS. In 2012, the FAA selected [[Harris Corporation|Harris Corp.]], which then subcontracted [[Dataprobe]], to develop the [[National Airspace System Voice Switch|NAS Voice System]] and manage a $331 million Data Communications Integrated Services contract.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.harris.com/press-releases/2012/09/harris-corporation-awarded-331-million-contract-by-faa-for-data/|title=Harris Corporation Awarded $331 Million Contract by FAA for Data Communications Integrated Services Program|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235233/https://www.harris.com/press-releases/2012/09/harris-corporation-awarded-331-million-contract-by-faa-for-data|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.harris.com/press-releases/2012/08/harris-corporation-awarded-291-million-contract-to-provide-federal-aviation|title=Harris Corporation Awarded $291 Million Contract to Provide Federal Aviation Administration's New National Air Traffic Control Communications System|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235319/https://www.harris.com/press-releases/2012/08/harris-corporation-awarded-291-million-contract-to-provide-federal-aviation|url-status=live}}</ref> The FAA and Harris Corp. canceled the contract for the NAS Voice System in 2018, and there was no replacement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2022 |title=Changes in Requirements and Schedule Delays Contributed to the Termination of the NAS Voice System Contract |url=https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/FAA%20NAS%20Voice%20System%20Program%20Final%20Report_01-12-22.pdf |access-date=June 27, 2023 |website=U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328092411/https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/FAA%20NAS%20Voice%20System%20Program%20Final%20Report_01-12-22.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Airlines also became involved in NextGen. In 2011, the FAA signed an agreement with [[JetBlue]] to allow the carrier to fly select flights equipped with ADS-B, opening the airline to improved routing and giving the FAA NextGen data through real-time operational evaluations. [[United Airlines]] in 2013 announced plans to become the first carrier to equip a portion of its fleet with avionics necessary for [[Next Generation Data Communications|Data Communications]] (Data Comm) under the FAA NextGen Data Comm avionics equipage program. The program was funded to equip 1,900 aircraft across the industry to ensure enough aircraft would participate in Data Comm.

To develop industry consensus for the FAA's midterm goals, the agency established a new task force through [[RTCA, Incorporated|RTCA]] in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/nextgen_progress_report.pdf|title=NextGen Mid-Term Implementation Task Force Report Sept. 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812102308/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/nextgen_progress_report.pdf|archive-date=2011-08-12|url-status=dead}}</ref> The FAA wanted the task force to examine how industry could contribute to and benefit from NextGen, and the agency unveiled a plan in 2010 on how to implement recommendations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/FAA_TASKFORCE_RESPONSE_1-31-2010.pdf|title=FAA Response to Recommendations of the RTCA NextGen Mid-Term Implementation Task Force|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824192936/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/FAA_TASKFORCE_RESPONSE_1-31-2010.pdf|archive-date=2011-08-24|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC),<ref name="auto17">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rtca.org/nextgen-advisory-committee/|title=NextGen Advisory Committee|access-date=2021-09-18|archive-date=2021-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152221/https://www.rtca.org/nextgen-advisory-committee/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NextGen Advisory Committee |url=https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/nac |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220222502/https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/nac |url-status=live }}</ref> established in 2010 to address the task force recommendation to continue industry collaboration, is a federal advisory group comprising aviation stakeholders formed to advise on policy-level NextGen implementation issues facing the aviation community. The FAA and NAC in 2014 agreed on the NextGen Priorities Joint Implementation Plan to accelerate delivery of four core NextGen initiatives over three years to improve efficiency: optimizing operations at airports with multiple runways, increasing the efficiency of surface operations, updating to performance-based navigation that is primarily satellite-enabled, and improving communications between aircraft and the ground through a digital system.

International [[air traffic management]] interoperability and system harmonization for improved safety and efficiency is another FAA objective. In 2010, the FAA and the European Commission agreed to cooperate in 22 areas to help in joint research and development of NextGen and [[Single European Sky ATM Research]] (SESAR) projects. By 2012, the FAA and the A6 alliance of European air navigation service providers agreed to work toward an interoperable aviation system, and work together to deploy and implement NextGen and SESAR.

Executive Order 13479, Transformation of the National Air Transportation System,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=84969|title=Executive Order 13479—Transformation of the National Air Transportation System|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065718/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=84969|url-status=dead}}</ref> signed in 2008 mandated the Secretary of Transportation to establish a NextGen support staff. The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/about/plans_reports/modernization/|title=FAA Modernization and Reform Act (P.L. 112-095) Reports and Plans|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811143229/http://www.faa.gov/about/plans_reports/modernization/|archive-date=2014-08-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> included establishing deadlines for adopting existing NextGen navigation and surveillance technology and mandated development of performance-based navigation procedures at the nation's 35 busiest airports by 2015.

In 2010, the FAA's Aviation Safety organization released a work plan that identified how the safety staff would set NextGen standards and oversee safe implementation of new technologies, processes, and procedures. The FAA also issued a final rule mandating NextGen performance requirements for aircraft surveillance equipment. It required aircraft flying in a large portion of controlled U.S. airspace to be equipped for ADS-B Out by January 1, 2020.

==Justification==
A Department of Transportation 30-year outlook report published in 2016, "Beyond Traffic: Trends and Choices 2045",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.transportation.gov/policy-initiatives/beyond-traffic-2045-final-report|title=Beyond Traffic: 2045 Final Report {{pipe}} US Department of Transportation|website=www.transportation.gov|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235159/https://www.transportation.gov/policy-initiatives/beyond-traffic-2045-final-report|url-status=live}}</ref> estimated flight delays and congestion cost the U.S. economy more than $20 billion each year. In addition, the report predicted the total number of people flying on U.S. airlines would increase by 50 percent over the next two decades. For capacity to keep pace with increased demand for services, changes were needed in how services were provided.<ref name="auto7"/>

In 2022, civil air transportation contributed $1.8 trillion in U.S. economic activity, supported 9.4 million jobs, and made up 4 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 1, 2024 |title=The Economic Impact of U.S. Civil Aviation: 2024 |url=https://www.faa.gov/2024-economic-impact-report |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=FAA}}</ref> NextGen delivers benefits to continue to support U.S. aviation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/NGPA_2015.pdf|title=Operational Performance Assessment September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429034552/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/NGPA_2015.pdf|archive-date=2016-04-29|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Air traffic controller]]s have better information to track and [[Separation (aeronautics)|separate]] aircraft safely and efficiently. Pilots have more aeronautical, traffic, and weather information in the cockpit. Airlines can fly shorter, more direct routes to get passengers to their destinations faster while burning less fuel and producing fewer emissions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2015/07/10/5-ways-nextgen-is-reducing-flight-times/|title=5 Ways NextGen is Reducing Flight Times|date=July 10, 2015|website=Aviation Today|access-date=September 18, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152242/https://www.aviationtoday.com/2015/07/10/5-ways-nextgen-is-reducing-flight-times/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dispatch.com/news/20170324/new-aviation-system-will-make-air-travel-more-efficient|title=New aviation system will make air travel more efficient|first=Marla Matzer|last=Rose|website=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=2021-09-18|archive-date=2021-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152232/https://www.dispatch.com/news/20170324/new-aviation-system-will-make-air-travel-more-efficient|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.transportation.gov/content/benefits-next-generation-air-transportation-system|title=The Benefits of the Next Generation Air Transportation System|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235421/https://www.transportation.gov/content/benefits-next-generation-air-transportation-system|url-status=dead}}</ref>

NextGen helps aircraft operators, passengers, the government, and the general public through enhanced safety, greater efficiency, and increased capacity. Monetized benefits comprise internal FAA cost savings, reduced passenger travel time, decreased aircraft operating costs, lower fuel consumption, fewer travel delays, avoided cancellations, additional flights, reduced [[carbon dioxide]] emissions, reduced injuries and fatalities, and fewer aircraft losses and damages. NextGen systems can also increase controller and pilot productivity, such as with [[Next Generation Data Communications|Data Communications]].<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/BusinessCaseForNextGen-2016.pdf|title=2016 Update to The Business Case for the Next Generation Air Transportation System based on the Future of the NAS Report|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804121920/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/BusinessCaseForNextGen-2016.pdf|archive-date=2016-08-04|url-status=dead}}</ref>

NextGen improvements are estimated to save 2.8 billion gallons of fuel through 2030<ref name="auto4"/> and reduce carbon emissions by more than 650 million metric tons from 2020 to 2040.<ref name="auto15">{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/environment/|title=NextGen Update: 2017 Environment and Energy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313094224/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/environment/|archive-date=2015-03-13|url-status=dead}}</ref> The FAA tracks total benefits measured from more than 20 NextGen capabilities through more than 200 implementations across the nation. Implemented changes have produced an estimated $12.3 billion in benefits from 2010 to 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 3, 2023 |title=Performance Reporting and Benefits |url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/reporting-benefits |access-date=June 27, 2023 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621003635/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/reporting-benefits |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Implementation ==
As the NextGen concept formed, the FAA planned its implementation. The agency worked with industry to identify capabilities taking advantage of existing aircraft equipage.<ref name="auto17"/> This strategy enabled airspace users to realize early benefits while keeping NextGen on course to achieve the FAA's long-term goal of trajectory-based operations (TBO).

Next, the FAA started replacing its infrastructure. Based on previous lessons learned, the agency determined the best way to upgrade its services was to begin with a new infrastructure that could accommodate  the latest enabling technologies and advanced capabilities rather than adding one-off improvements to an aging infrastructure that couldn't accomplish broader transformation.

The FAA programs for [[ERAM|En Route Automation Modernization]] (ERAM) and [[Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System|Terminal Automation Modernization and Replacement]] (TAMR) are foundational pieces upon which the FAA could build the NextGen vision. These programs support NextGen objectives with modern software architectures that serve as the platform for new capabilities for air traffic controllers and managers.

The FAA used a widely accepted model for building large-scale automation systems. Program lifecycles are continuous with a planned schedule of technology refreshes. For example, the FAA finished installing the original hardware for ERAM in 2008, and completed software and program acceptance in 2015. In 2016, the agency updated the technology of all major system components that were becoming obsolete. This method is common to maintain the latest level of technology.

On top of the foundational systems, the FAA then identified key enabling systems that improve communications, navigation, surveillance, traffic flow automation, information sharing, and weather systems. Integrating these systems transforms air traffic management to keep pace with the growing needs of an increasingly diverse mix of air transportation system users without sacrificing safety.

Integration of capabilities is necessary to achieve TBO, which is a method of strategically planning and managing air traffic from airport to airport for optimal performance by using the aircraft's ability to fly precise paths, metering traffic flow using time instead of distance, and faster information sharing between pilots, flight dispatchers, and controllers and air traffic managers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/offices/tc/library/Storyboard/tbo.html#welcome|title=TBO Vision 2025 Storyboard|date=October 4, 2018|access-date=October 4, 2018|archive-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005030806/https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/offices/tc/library/Storyboard/tbo.html#welcome|url-status=live}}</ref>

With TBO, the FAA and operators are expected to better know where and when an aircraft is anticipated to be throughout its flight.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Trajectory Based Operations (TBO)|url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/tbo/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us|archive-date=2021-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318055512/https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/tbo/|url-status=live}}</ref> This information will be shared between air and ground automation systems and used to better assess how to balance demand and capacity, and minimize the consequences of disruptions due to weather, or system or facility outages. TBO's main benefits are improved flight efficiency, and increased throughput, predictability, and operator flexibility. Its initial operating areas are the Northeast Corridor, Mid-Atlantic Region, Northwest Mountain Region, and Southwest. TBO expanded to the Southeast in 2023.

The FAA Office of Airports [[Geographic information system|Geographic Information System]] (GIS) program provides data to manage aeronautical information and NextGen implementation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 November 2018 |title=Esri Solution Helps Airports Meet New FAA Rules |url=http://www.esri.com/esri-news/arcwatch/0315/esri-solution-helps-airports-meet-new-faa-rules |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070921/http://www.esri.com/esri-news/arcwatch/0315/esri-solution-helps-airports-meet-new-faa-rules |archive-date=20 January 2018 |access-date=19 January 2018}}</ref> GIS identifies the geographic location and characteristics of natural or constructed features or boundaries on the Earth's surface. The airport data is used to develop and implement obstruction analyses, more accurate [[NOTAM|Notices to Air Missions]] and flight deck airport moving map functionality, and Performance Based Navigation procedures, including [[Wide Area Augmentation System]]/[[Localizer performance with vertical guidance|Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance]] approaches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Airports GIS and Electronic Airport Layout Plan (eALP) |url=https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/airports_gis_electronic_alp/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711071329/http://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/airports_gis_electronic_alp/ |archive-date=2011-07-11}}</ref>

NextGen is a complex, large-scale system of systems implemented over decades. Systems are always in various stages of lifecycle management from research to technical refreshes. FAA planning reports are used to map the evolution from the legacy National Airspace System (NAS) to NextGen. To manage NextGen with short-term funding horizons, the FAA rolled out improvements in smaller increments with more program segments to ensure affordability.

The FAA is using knowledge gained since 2011 when it published the NextGen Mid-Term Concept of Operations. Working closely with stakeholders, the FAA invested in research and pre-implementation work to determine the feasibility of advanced concepts and their associated benefits.<ref name="auto7" /> The aviation community understood that many, but not all, of the concepts would produce positive business cases once research and pre-implementation work was underway, and that some goals would be replaced by other concepts in an evolving aviation environment. The FAA refined the path that the NextGen planners envisioned with a few adjustments, eliminating some concepts that were high cost, high risk, or of low benefit based on research and industry feedback.

Six concepts that posed too high a technical risk, for instance, those with no available technical solution, were deferred beyond 2030. Some concepts that required more research to garner evidence of perceived operational benefits also were deferred for implementation into the later segments of NextGen.<ref name="auto7" />

The FAA had scheduled initial implementation of all major planned systems by 2025 but not the full integration necessary to provide the complete set of anticipated NextGen benefits. The agency now expects to finish implementation of all the main NextGen components by 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carey |first=Bill |title=FAA Declares Steady Progress on NextGen ATC Modernization |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2016-10-24/faa-declares-steady-progress-nextgen-atc-modernization |website=Aviation International News |access-date=2021-09-18 |archive-date=2021-09-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152242/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2016-10-24/faa-declares-steady-progress-nextgen-atc-modernization |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carey |first=Bill |title=FAA's NextGen Making Progress, Airline Pilots Union Asserts |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2017-02-15/faas-nextgen-making-progress-airline-pilots-union-asserts |website=Aviation International News |access-date=2021-09-18 |archive-date=2021-09-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152220/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2017-02-15/faas-nextgen-making-progress-airline-pilots-union-asserts |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2, 2017 |title=FAA Ready to Review US Air Traffic Modernization |url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2017/03/02/faa-ready-review-us-air-traffic-modernization/ |website=Aviation Today |access-date=September 18, 2021 |archive-date=September 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152252/https://www.aviationtoday.com/2017/03/02/faa-ready-review-us-air-traffic-modernization/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 23, 2015 |title=DataComm, ERAM, ADS-B: Huerta Touts NextGen Milestones |url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2015/10/23/datacomm-eram-ads-b-huerta-touts-nextgen-milestones/ |website=Aviation Today |access-date=September 18, 2021 |archive-date=May 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510075712/https://www.aviationtoday.com/2015/10/23/datacomm-eram-ads-b-huerta-touts-nextgen-milestones/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Benefits will accrue through enterprise-level advanced applications, more aircraft equipage, and full workforce adoption of TBO.<ref name="auto7" />

==Elements==
NextGen encompasses many technologies, policies, and procedures. Changes to communications, navigation, surveillance, automation, information management, weather, and other areas are implemented after thorough safety testing.

=== Communications ===
Controller pilot data link communications, also known as [[Next Generation Data Communications|Data Communications]] (Data Comm), uses typed digital messages to supplement voice communications between air traffic controllers and pilots. Unlike voice messages, Data Comm messages sent by controllers are delivered only to the intended aircraft, which eliminates the chance of another pilot acting on instructions for another aircraft with a similar call sign. It avoids the chance of misunderstood messages because of busy radio chatter or variations in the way people speak, and it can be a backup if a microphone malfunctions. It also preserves radio bandwidth when voice communication is necessary or preferred.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://interactive.aviationtoday.com/avionicsmagazine/august-september-2016/nextgen-data-comm-facilitates-digital-dcl/|title=NextGen Data Comm Facilitates Digital DCL|website=interactive.aviationtoday.com|access-date=2021-09-18|archive-date=2021-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152232/http://interactive.aviationtoday.com/avionicsmagazine/august-september-2016/nextgen-data-comm-facilitates-digital-dcl/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Using Data Comm, tower air traffic controllers can send pilots of equipped aircraft departure clearance instructions to read, accept, and load into their flight management system with the push of a button. Messages also are sent to [[flight dispatcher]]s, giving everyone a shared awareness for faster reactions to changing circumstances, such as approaching thunderstorms.

Data Comm saves aircraft time waiting to take off, particularly when routes change, which reduces fuel use and engine exhaust emissions. It lowers the chances of delays or cancellations when weather affects the flight route. Pilots and controllers also can spend more time on other critical tasks, which enhances safety.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailybreeze.com/general-news/20160624/lax-unveils-data-comm-aircraft-texting-system-designed-to-reduce-flight-delays|title=LAX unveils Data Comm aircraft texting system designed to reduce flight delays|date=June 24, 2016|access-date=September 18, 2021|archive-date=October 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005020526/http://www.dailybreeze.com/general-news/20160624/lax-unveils-data-comm-aircraft-texting-system-designed-to-reduce-flight-delays|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kutv.com/news/local/new-data-comm-reduces-wait-time-on-slc-runways|title=New Data Comm reduces wait time on SLC runways|first=Lisa|last=Nico|date=August 15, 2016|website=KUTV|access-date=September 18, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152218/https://kutv.com/news/local/new-data-comm-reduces-wait-time-on-slc-runways|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apnews.com/37d10b72c9b8402099c602afc0391f44/Pilots,-air-traffic-controllers-shifting-to-text-messaging|title=Pilots, air traffic controllers shifting to text messaging|website=Associated Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235508/https://www.apnews.com/37d10b72c9b8402099c602afc0391f44/Pilots,-air-traffic-controllers-shifting-to-text-messaging|archive-date=2018-01-19|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-ohare-pilot-texting-0930-biz-20160929-story.html|title=Pilots to start texting at O'Hare, Midway — but it's not what you think|first=Lauren|last=Zumbach|website=chicagotribune.com|date=29 September 2016|access-date=16 April 2020|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125030429/https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-ohare-pilot-texting-0930-biz-20160929-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.startribune.com/faa-shows-off-new-air-traffic-communications-at-msp/419214164/|title=FAA shows off new air-traffic communications at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport|website=Star Tribune|date=12 April 2017 |access-date=2021-09-18|archive-date=2021-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152220/https://www.startribune.com/faa-shows-off-new-air-traffic-communications-at-msp/419214164/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amny.com/transit/nyc-flights-benefiting-from-new-text-based-tech-faa-says-1-13276922/|title=NYC flights benefiting from new text-based tech, FAA says {{pipe}} amNewYork|first=Vincent|last=Barone|website=www.amny.com|date=16 March 2017|access-date=18 September 2021|archive-date=18 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152232/https://www.amny.com/transit/nyc-flights-benefiting-from-new-text-based-tech-faa-says-1-13276922/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/pilot-text-messages-are-saving-you-from-flight-delays/|title=With Data Comm, pilots' texts are saving you from flight delays|first=Ben Fox|last=Rubin|website=CNET|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235454/https://www.cnet.com/news/pilot-text-messages-are-saving-you-from-flight-delays/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2016-09-28/faa-accelerates-data-communications-roll-out-atc-towers|title=FAA Accelerates Data Communications Roll Out to ATC Towers|first=Bill|last=Carey|website=Aviation International News|access-date=2021-09-18|archive-date=2021-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152313/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2016-09-28/faa-accelerates-data-communications-roll-out-atc-towers|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/09/27/airlines-flight-controllers-data-communications/91177576/|title=Less chat, more action for airlines, flight controllers|first=Bart|last=Jansen|website=USA Today|access-date=2018-01-29|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120125938/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/09/27/airlines-flight-controllers-data-communications/91177576/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://crankyflier.com/2016/06/28/a-demo-on-how-data-comm-is-going-to-make-flying-better/|title=A Demo On How Data Comm Is Going to Make Flying Better|date=June 28, 2016|access-date=September 18, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152220/https://crankyflier.com/2016/06/28/a-demo-on-how-data-comm-is-going-to-make-flying-better/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/new-direct-digital-link-between-tower-and-cockpit-will-speed-planes-on-their-way/2016/09/27/50eb9ec8-843b-11e6-a3ef-f35afb41797f_story.html|title=New direct digital link between tower and cockpit will speed planes on their way|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235415/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/new-direct-digital-link-between-tower-and-cockpit-will-speed-planes-on-their-way/2016/09/27/50eb9ec8-843b-11e6-a3ef-f35afb41797f_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first part of the program, tower service, for 55 airports finished in 2016 more than two years ahead of schedule. Based on the initial success, airlines requested and the FAA approved in 2017 seven more airports to receive tower service to be completed by 2019. The first of these airports completed was Joint Base Andrews in November 2017.<ref name="auto12">{{Cite web |title=NextGen Update 2017 Data Communications |url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/data_comm/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313110025/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/data_comm/ |archive-date=2015-03-13}}</ref> The final airport was Van Nuys, which was completed in August 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 31, 2018 |title=Data Comm In the Operation |url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/how_nextgen_works/new_technology/data_comm/in_depth/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908015636/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/how_nextgen_works/new_technology/data_comm/in_depth/ |archive-date=2018-09-08}}</ref> In 2020, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, and Palm Beach were authorized to become the next three airports approved to operate Data Comm.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2021 |title=NextGen Advisory Committee NextGen Prorities Joint Implementation Plan CY2019–2022: 2021 Update |url=https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2021-11/NACNextGenPrioritiesJointImplementationPlanCY2019-2022-2021Update.pdf |website=Federal Aviation Administration |access-date=December 10, 2021 |archive-date=December 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210183646/https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2021-11/NACNextGenPrioritiesJointImplementationPlanCY2019-2022-2021Update.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Cincinnati started operating in 2021, and Jacksonville and Palm Beach began in 2022.

Data Comm provides more benefits to airlines and passengers when aircraft are in flight. Various air traffic controller messages are available, including the ability to reroute multiple aircraft. Initial Data Comm services for high-altitude flight started in November 2019. It is operating at 16 en route centers and is scheduled to be at all 20 centers in 2025. Full en route services, which bring a wider array of messages than initial services, are scheduled to be complete at all centers in 2027.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2019/11/13/delayed-delivery-en-route-cpdlc-messages-fixed-faa-says/|title=Delayed Delivery of En-route CPDLC Messages Fixed, FAA Says|date=November 13, 2019|website=Avionics International|access-date=December 20, 2019|archive-date=December 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220132036/https://www.aviationtoday.com/2019/11/13/delayed-delivery-en-route-cpdlc-messages-fixed-faa-says/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=May 20, 2021|title=Data Communications (Data Comm)|url=https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/data-communications-data-comm-0|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=December 9, 2021|archive-date=May 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510075426/https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/data-communications-data-comm-0|url-status=live}}</ref> Enhanced services are planned after full en route services. These will include tools to support trajectory management, such as traffic management coordinator-initiated reroutes.

Voice communication will always be part of air traffic control. In critical situations, it continues to be the primary form of controller-pilot interaction. However, for routine communications between pilots and controllers, Data Comm is preferred as it increases efficiency and airspace capacity. Data Comm is expected to save operators more than $10 billion over the 30-year life cycle of the program and the FAA about $1 billion in future operating costs.<ref name="auto12"/>

=== Navigation ===
[[Performance-based navigation|Performance Based Navigation]] (PBN) is an [[instrument flight rules]] way of moving through airspace that varies depending on equipage, navigational aids, and pilot training. Performance standards for certain airspace are conveyed to pilots through navigation specifications published by the FAA that identify the aircraft avionics and choice of ground- or satellite-based navigation aids that may be used to meet performance requirements.

PBN comprises [[area navigation]] (RNAV) and [[required navigation performance]] (RNP). With RNAV, equipped aircraft fly any desired path within the coverage of ground- or space-based navigation aids, within the capability of aircraft equipage, or both. RNP is an advanced form of RNAV. Aircraft must be equipped to monitor onboard navigation performance and alert pilots trained to use it if a requirement is unmet during an operation. Aircraft can operate safely near mountainous terrain or in congested airspace by using RNP procedures.

PBN primarily uses satellite-enabled technology and creates precise, repeatable, and predictable 3-D flight paths free from the constraints previously imposed by the location of ground-based navigational aids. A new route structure makes straighter paths possible for greater efficiency, and more routes can fit into the same airspace, which increases capacity. From 2009 to 2016, available PBN procedures nearly tripled at airports across the nation. 

As of January 15, 2025, the FAA has published 10,009 PBN procedures and 470 PBN routes.<ref name="auto8">{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/pbn/|title=NextGen Update 2017 Performance Based Navigation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313085529/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/pbn/|archive-date=2015-03-13|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="auto16">{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/PBN_NAS_NAV.pdf|title=PBN NAS Navigation Strategy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220232615/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/PBN_NAS_NAV.pdf|archive-date=2016-12-20|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 6, 2023 |title=Instrument Flight Procedures (IFP) Inventory Summary |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/ifp_inventory_summary/ |website=Federal Aviation Administration |access-date=December 20, 2019 |archive-date=December 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220143346/https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/ifp_inventory_summary/ |url-status=live }}</ref> These consist of RNAV [[standard instrument departure]]s, T-Routes (1,200 feet above the surface to 18,000 feet of altitude), Q-Routes (18,000–45,000 feet of altitude), RNAV [[Standard terminal arrival route|standard terminal arrivals]] (STAR), RNAV (GPS) approaches, and RNP approaches.<ref name="auto8" /><ref name="auto16" /> Of the airports that publish [[instrument approach]] procedures, 96 percent publish PBN approach procedures and 31 percent use only PBN approach procedures.

RNAV STAR procedures can provide a [[continuous descent approach]], also known as an optimized profile descent, from cruising altitude to save fuel, reduce emissions, and lower noise.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/06/houston-nextgen-plane-descents/|title=Planes Are Finally Making Logical Descents Onto American Runways|magazine=Wired|via=www.wired.com|last1=Davies|first1=Alex|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070306/https://www.wired.com/2014/06/houston-nextgen-plane-descents/|url-status=live}}</ref> The FAA has published RNAV STAR procedures at 128 airports with this capability that enable aircraft to fly closer to the airport at a more fuel-efficient altitude before descending.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|title=Performance Based Navigation|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/cip/pbn/|access-date=2021-01-21|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us|archive-date=2021-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126154944/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/cip/PBN/|url-status=live}}</ref> From the top of the descent to landing, the aircraft has minimal level-off segments, and pilots can avoid using speed brakes and frequently adjusting the thrust lever, which also save fuel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=62|title=New Analysis Shows Big Benefits at Minneapolis International Airport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628094052/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=62|archive-date=2017-06-28|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=43|title=Changes to Houston's Airspace Bring Millions in Benefits to Local Airports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201103647/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=43|archive-date=2016-02-01|url-status=dead}}</ref> These procedures can be flown when available and when pilots are allowed to use them.

Using the [[Wide Area Augmentation System]], instrument-rated pilots can land using [[Global Positioning System|GPS]] at airports where it was previously impossible.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=David |title=How WAAS Turned into a Must-have System for Aircraft Satellite Navigation {{!}} AIN |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2023-12-04/how-waas-turned-must-have-system |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Aviation International News}}</ref> WAAS enhances the accuracy and integrity of position estimates. At an airport where a ground-based [[Instrument landing system|Instrument Landing System]] (ILS) may be out of service, PBN approach procedures serve as a backup. The FAA will seldom, if ever, install a new ILS, opting instead for PBN approach procedures, which save money. More than 150,000 aircraft in the NAS are equipped with WAAS, and more than 4,900 published WAAS procedures serve approximately 2,500 airports.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2025 |title=Satellite Navigation — GPS/WAAS Approaches |url=https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/techops/navservices/gnss/approaches |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref>

The FAA is decreasing the ground-based navigation infrastructure, which will remain as an alternative in case of satellite service disruptions.<ref name="auto8" /> The [[VHF omnidirectional range|VOR]] minimum operational network and NextGen [[distance measuring equipment]] (DME) will provide navigation resiliency.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wither Analog NavAids? What's Next In The NextGen Age {{!}} Aviation Week Network|url=https://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/wither-analog-navaids-whats-next-nextgen-age|access-date=2021-03-18|website=aviationweek.com|archive-date=2023-09-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914192636/https://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/wither-analog-navaids-whats-next-nextgen-age|url-status=live}}</ref> The NAS needs at least 126 new DME stations for maximum benefits, and the FAA will replace 50 stations with limited performance to support en route flights across the nation and terminal traffic at 62 busy locations. In 2024, the FAA built nine new DME stations, bringing the total number to 19. Deployment of all stations is scheduled to be completed in 2035. At the same time, 100 DME stations unneeded for resiliency may be decommissioned, which would reduce operating costs.

In response to recommendations from the aviation community through RTCA's NextGen Mid-Term Implementation Task Force, the FAA began integrating PBN procedures to improve air traffic flow for 11 metroplexes, which are metropolitan areas where crowded airspace serve the needs of multiple airports.<ref name="auto9">{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/oapm/|title=Optimization of Airspace and Procedures in the Metroplex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415135821/https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/oapm/|archive-date=2014-04-15|url-status=dead}}</ref> Through collaboration with the NextGen Advisory Committee, the FAA completed its projects at Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland-Detroit,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=23094|title=FAA Makes Airspace Changes for Cleveland/Detroit Metroplex Project|date=September 5, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002422/https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=23094|archive-date=2018-09-11}}</ref> Denver,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=95271|title=FAA to Implement Denver Metroplex Project This Week|date=March 25, 2020|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=April 16, 2020|archive-date=April 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414185235/https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=95271|url-status=live}}</ref> Houston,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2014/06/05/nextgen-procedures-go-live-in-houston-metroplex/|title=NextGen Procedures Go Live in Houston Metroplex|date=June 5, 2014|website=Aviation Today|access-date=September 18, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152303/https://www.aviationtoday.com/2014/06/05/nextgen-procedures-go-live-in-houston-metroplex/|url-status=live}}</ref> Las Vegas,<ref>{{Cite web|title=FAA to Implement Las Vegas Metroplex Project|url=https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=96819&omniRss=news_updatesAoc&cid=101_N_U|access-date=2021-02-23|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us}}</ref> Northern California, North Texas, South Central Florida,<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 22, 2021|title=FAA to Implement South-Central Florida Metroplex on April 22|url=https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-implement-south-central-florida-metroplex-april-22?newsId=97119|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=December 9, 2021|archive-date=December 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210054026/https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-implement-south-central-florida-metroplex-april-22?newsId=97119|url-status=live}}</ref> Southern California, and Washington, D.C.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/how_nextgen_works/new_technology/pbn/in_depth/|title=Performance Based Navigation In the Operation Today|date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002433/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/how_nextgen_works/new_technology/pbn/in_depth/|archive-date=2018-09-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> Additionally, the FAA redesigned airspace incorporating PBN for 29 busy airports not meeting Metroplex program criteria.<ref name="auto"/>

PBN procedures also reduced oceanic separation standards laterally and longitudinally from 100 to 30 nautical miles.<ref name="auto16"/> PBN improved lateral separation standards for approaches at airports with closely spaced parallel runways from 4,300 feet to 3,600 feet in 2013,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/delivering/oiaa/airports/|title=NextGen Airports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502100300/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/delivering/oiaa/airports/|archive-date=2017-05-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> and an equivalent lateral spacing operations standard enabled through PBN gives flexibility at some airports to handle more departures.<ref name="auto16"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=7|title=Ten Degrees of Separation in Atlanta|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410101314/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=7|archive-date=2014-04-10|url-status=dead}}</ref>

A rule change in 2015 allowed pilots to use a PBN approach procedure to take a shorter path to the runway more frequently. Aircraft can safely and efficiently land during simultaneous operations at certain airports with parallel runways without receiving directions from air traffic controllers monitoring them on [[radar]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/NextGen/snapshots/stories/?slide=59|title=Aircraft Fly More Efficiently More Often With EoR at Denver|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430170400/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=59|archive-date=2017-04-30|url-status=dead}}</ref>  The FAA implemented a national standard in 2016 for this capability, which is known as Established on RNP.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/priorities/?area=pbn&cid=TW279|title=NextGen Priorities - Performance Based Navigation|date=2019-03-01|access-date=2019-03-04|archive-date=2019-03-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044146/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/priorities/?area=pbn&cid=TW279|url-status=live}}</ref> EoR is in use at Denver International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, and Los Angeles International Airport.

Multiple Airport Route Separation (MARS) is a related multi-airport project as it extends the EoR concept from runways at a single airport to runways at airports close to each other.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=McCollum |first=Marlis |date=2022-09-21 |title=A Move to MARS: Safely Improving Flight Efficiency at Adjacent Airports |url=https://www.mitre.org/news-insights/impact-story/move-mars-safely-improving-flight-efficiency-adjacent-airports |journal=MITRE |language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241030054447/https://www.mitre.org/news-insights/impact-story/move-mars-safely-improving-flight-efficiency-adjacent-airports |archive-date=2024-10-30}}</ref> MARS will enable expanded use of RNP and new access to airports and runway configurations. It is expected to provide similar benefits and increase the airports’ throughput. In 2026, the FAA plans on beginning operations at the first site after validating the concept and determining that it is safe.

The FAA aims for PBN to be used as a basis for daily operations throughout the National Airspace System, employing the appropriate procedure to meet the need. In some cases — as with metroplexes — this will include a highly structured, yet flexible, navigation pattern.<ref name="auto7"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2016/10/04/faa-lays-out-15-year-plans-for-pbn-nas-navigation-strategy/|title=FAA Lays Out 15-Year Plans for PBN NAS Navigation Strategy|date=October 4, 2016|website=Aviation Today|access-date=September 18, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152252/https://www.aviationtoday.com/2016/10/04/faa-lays-out-15-year-plans-for-pbn-nas-navigation-strategy/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Surveillance ===
[[Automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast|Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast]] (ADS-B) is a technology that brings a major change to flight tracking. Instead of using ground-based radar to receive aircraft position, speed, and direction every five to 12 seconds, aircraft equipped with newer [[Global Positioning System|GPS]] transponders determine this information and automatically send it once per second to air traffic control. ADS-B depends on an accurate satellite signal for position data. It is always broadcasting and requires no operator intervention. For the first time, pilots and air traffic controllers can see the same real-time display of air traffic, which improves situational awareness for improved safety.

The FAA completed installation of new ground radio infrastructure in 2014, and coverage is available in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Gulf of Mexico, and area off both coasts. Integration of ADS-B into en route and terminal automation platforms was completed in 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=94678|title=FAA Successfully Completes Final ADS-B Milestone|date=October 7, 2019|work=FAA News and Updates|access-date=December 20, 2019|archive-date=September 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927050556/https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=94678|url-status=live}}</ref> Aircraft flying in a large portion of controlled airspace have been required to be equipped for ADS-B Out since January 1, 2020.

The FAA is evaluating space-based ADS-B surveillance services for oceanic airspace as part of a project called Advanced Surveillance Enhanced Procedural Separation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/faa-takes-steps-toward-space-based-ads-b-track-aircraft|title=FAA Takes Steps Toward Space-Based ADS-B To Track Aircraft|date=December 12, 2019|work=Aviation Week|access-date=December 20, 2019|archive-date=December 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220140116/https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/faa-takes-steps-toward-space-based-ads-b-track-aircraft|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 27, 2023 |title=ADS-B Advanced Surveillance Enhanced Procedural Separation (ASEPS) |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/adsb/atc/aseps |access-date=January 23, 2024 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=January 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123222102/https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/adsb/atc/aseps |url-status=live }}</ref> Moving from the current system of ADS-B ground stations to radios hosted on satellites offers the potential for reduced separation standards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.satellitetoday.com/telecom/2017/04/27/faa-aireon-announce-space-based-ads-b-flight-test-success/|title=FAA and Aireon Announce Space-Based ADS-B Flight Test Success - Via Satellite -|date=April 27, 2017|website=Via Satellite|access-date=September 18, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152241/https://www.satellitetoday.com/telecom/2017/04/27/faa-aireon-announce-space-based-ads-b-flight-test-success/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2017-05-15/faa-nav-canada-and-aireon-test-space-based-ads-b|title=FAA, Nav Canada and Aireon Test Space-based ADS-B|first=Matt|last=Thurber|website=Aviation International News|access-date=2021-09-18|archive-date=2021-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152303/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2017-05-15/faa-nav-canada-and-aireon-test-space-based-ads-b|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.getconnected.aero/2017/04/faa-aireon-next-gen-ads-b/|title=FAA and Aireon announce next-gen ADS-B test success|date=April 26, 2017|website=Get Connected|access-date=September 18, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152220/https://www.getconnected.aero/2017/04/faa-aireon-next-gen-ads-b/|url-status=live}}</ref> The FAA started using ADS-B for a 3-nautical-mile (nm) separation standard reduced from 5&nbsp;nm in 2020 in some of the en route airspace below 23,000 feet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 16, 2020 |title=ATC Surveillance Source Use and Three Mile Operations |url=https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Notice/N_JO_7210.920_ATC_Surveillance_Source_Use_-_3_Mile_Operations.pdf |access-date=January 24, 2024 |website=FAA |archive-date=March 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324020635/https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Notice/N_JO_7210.920_ATC_Surveillance_Source_Use_-_3_Mile_Operations.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Even with the capabilities offered by ADS-B through satellite technology, surveillance radar is still relevant and will be used as a supplement and ultimately as backup to ADS-B in the event of service disruption.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aviationweek.com/connected-aerospace/global-advance-ads-b|title=Global Advance Of ADS-B|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160926145530/http://aviationweek.com/connected-aerospace/global-advance-ads-b|archive-date=2016-09-26}}</ref>

==== ADS-B Out ====
With ADS-B Out, surveillance coverage increases because ground stations can be placed where obstructions or physical limitations don't allow radar. Future intended time and position of aircraft are more accurate for optimal flight and traffic flow. Airlines that fly routes over the Gulf of Mexico or offshore routes without radar coverage can use ADS-B to follow more-efficient routes and be diverted less often due to weather.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/adsb/|title=NextGen Update 2017 Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313061251/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/adsb/|archive-date=2015-03-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=ADS-B – Gulf of Mexico Surveillance|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/atc/gulf/|access-date=2021-01-19|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us|archive-date=2021-01-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128131155/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/atc/gulf/|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the nation's busiest airports, ADS-B Out is part of [[ASDE-X|Airport Surface Detection Equipment–Model X]] at 35 sites and Airport Surface Surveillance Capability at nine sites.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 29, 2021|title=ADS-B – Airport Surface Surveillance Capability (ASSC)|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/atc/assc/|access-date=2021-01-15|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us|archive-date=2017-08-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802211123/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/atc/assc/|url-status=live}}</ref> Controllers can track the surface movement of aircraft and airport ground vehicles, which helps reduce the risk of taxiway conflicts and runway incursions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/delivering/oiaa/airports/|title=NextGen Airports|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502100300/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/delivering/oiaa/airports/|archive-date=2017-05-02}}</ref> A software enhancement for these two capabilities called Airport Taxi Arrival Prediction was added to warn air traffic controllers when pilots are lined up to land on a taxiway instead of their assigned runway.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-24 |title=Happy Landings |url=https://www.airtrafficmanagement.net/article/happy-landings#:~:text=ASSC%20is%20a%20similar%20system,with%20ASDE-X%20and%20ASSC. |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=www.airtrafficmanagement.net |language=en}}</ref> To further expand surface surveillance using ADS-B Out, 18 airports without either of these systems are getting the Surface Awareness Initiative system.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-10 |title=New runway safety technology at Jacksonville International Airport aims to prevent close calls |url=https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/local/new-runway-safety-technology-at-jacksonville-international-airport-prevent-close-calls-faa/77-f1db1e20-b6de-4e47-afdd-38b8c1e645e5 |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=firstcoastnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

Another ground-based surveillance system that uses ADS-B is [[Wide area multilateration|Wide Area Multilateration]] (WAM), which can be installed in locations where radar is limited or can't be used. It operates at many airports in the Colorado mountains; [[Juneau International Airport|Juneau]], Alaska; [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport|Charlotte]], N.C.; and Southern California Terminal Radar Approach Control facility. Additional WAM services are planned for the Atlanta and New York metropolitan areas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/atc/wam/|title=ADS-B Wide Area Multilateration|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504194736/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/atc/wam/|archive-date=2017-05-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=ADS-B – Wide Area Multilateration (WAM)|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/atc/wam/|access-date=2021-01-15|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us|archive-date=2017-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504194736/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/atc/wam/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Because of the more frequent position update and coverage in areas without radar, ADS-B Out helps in performing life-saving search and rescue missions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/equipadsb/capabilities/benefits/|title=Equip ADS-B Benefits|date=October 31, 2019|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=December 20, 2019|archive-date=December 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220174609/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/equipadsb/capabilities/benefits/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-01-09|title=ADS-B: Saving the day|url=https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2020/september/pilot/ads-b-saving-the-day|access-date=2020-08-21|website=www.aopa.org|archive-date=2020-09-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922065710/https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2020/september/pilot/ads-b-saving-the-day|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Benefits|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/equipadsb/capabilities/benefits/|access-date=2021-01-19|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us|archive-date=2021-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325075818/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/equipadsb/capabilities/benefits/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== ADS-B In ====
Operators who choose to equip their aircraft to receive ADS-B signals for ADS-B In can gain many other benefits and is where the industry gains the most value for investing in ADS-B Out.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 11, 2016 |title=Owners praise ADS-B traffic, weather |url=https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2016/november/03/adsb-equipage-benefits |website=www.aopa.org |access-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-date=January 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120124056/https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2016/november/03/adsb-equipage-benefits |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 June 2017 |title=The Cost of ADS-B Compliance: You're Looking at it Wrong |url=http://www.flyingmag.com/cost-ads-b-compliance-youre-looking-at-it-wrong/ |website=Flying |access-date=18 September 2021 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514034541/https://www.flyingmag.com/cost-ads-b-compliance-youre-looking-at-it-wrong/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=ADS-B Ins and Outs {{!}} Aviation Week Network|url=https://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/flight-deck/ads-b-ins-outs|access-date=2021-04-16|website=aviationweek.com|archive-date=2021-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416131531/https://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/flight-deck/ads-b-ins-outs|url-status=live}}</ref>

Traffic Information Services-Broadcast is a free service for pilots sending relevant traffic position reports to appropriately equipped aircraft to enhance safety.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ADS-B – ADS-B In Pilot Applications|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/pilot/#tisb|access-date=2021-01-15|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us|archive-date=2021-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119030808/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/pilot/#tisb|url-status=live}}</ref> Flight Information Services-Broadcast is another free service delivering aeronautical and weather information to pilots to increase safety and efficiency.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=ADS-B – ADS-B In Pilot Applications |url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/pilot/#fisb |access-date=2021-01-15 |website=www.faa.gov |language=en-us |archive-date=2021-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119030808/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/pilot/#fisb |url-status=live }}</ref>

ADS-B Traffic Awareness System offers general aviation aircraft a low-cost alerting capability to prevent aircraft collisions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/pilot/atas/|title=ADS-B Traffic Awareness System|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502115712/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/pilot/atas/|archive-date=2017-05-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> The more advanced [[Airborne collision avoidance system|Airborne Collision Avoidance System]] X<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2023 |title=Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) |url=https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afx/afs/afs400/afs410/airborne-collision-avoidance-system-acas |access-date=January 24, 2024 |website=FAA |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124165735/https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afx/afs/afs400/afs410/airborne-collision-avoidance-system-acas |url-status=live }}</ref> will support access to closely spaced runways in almost all weather conditions, flight deck interval management (IM), and separation similar to traditional visual operations with fewer nuisance alerts. The FAA anticipates ACAS X will replace the [[Traffic collision avoidance system|Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System.]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=27|title=Better Collision Avoidance with NextGen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402111016/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=27|archive-date=2014-04-02|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://flightsafety.org/asw-article/acas-x/|title=ACAS X|website=Flight Safety Foundation|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070707/https://flightsafety.org/asw-article/acas-x/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2017-06-15/acss-among-teams-advancing-collision-avoidance-unmanned-aircraft|title=ACSS Among Teams Advancing Collision Avoidance for Unmanned Aircraft|first=Bill|last=Carey|website=Aviation International News|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070013/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2017-06-15/acss-among-teams-advancing-collision-avoidance-unmanned-aircraft|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=ACAS X - SKYbrary Aviation Safety|url=https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/ACAS_X#:~:text=It%20is%20the%20intention%20that,of%20at%20least%20about%205.|access-date=2020-08-24|website=www.skybrary.aero|archive-date=2020-08-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815191133/https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/ACAS_X#:~:text=It%20is%20the%20intention%20that,of%20at%20least%20about%205.|url-status=live}}</ref>

In-Trail Procedures (ITP) reduce separation between aircraft during oceanic flights and is allowed for ITP-equipped aircraft in all oceanic airspace managed by Anchorage, New York, and Oakland en route centers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2022 |title=ADS-B |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/adsb/pilot/itp |access-date=December 22, 2022 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222151017/https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/adsb/pilot/itp |url-status=live }}</ref> ADS-B-equipped aircraft with ITP software can fly more often at more fuel-efficient or less-turbulent flight levels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=52|title=In-Trail Procedures: Saving Fuel and Boosting Pilots' Situational Awareness in Oceanic Airspace|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122140557/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=52|archive-date=2017-01-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> Equipment standards are complete and ready for manufacturers to produce the necessary avionics.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ADS-B – In Trail Procedures (ITP)|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/pilot/itp/|access-date=2021-01-15|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us|archive-date=2021-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126031615/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/pilot/itp/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The FAA is developing IM applications that use ADS-B In to sequence and space aircraft pairs. IM's precise spacing enables more-efficient flight paths in congested airspace and maximizes airspace and airport use. Enhanced air traffic control capabilities for closely spaced parallel runway approach operations may also be assisted by ADS-B In that is integrated with the terminal automation system.

The first ground-based phase began operating at the [[Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center]] in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ADS-B Interval Management Applications|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/pilot/ima/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430183546/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/pilot/ima/|archive-date=2017-04-30}}</ref> In 2017, the FAA supported a NASA evaluation of prototype avionics and procedures. The FAA sponsored a demonstration of IM operations using prototype avionics on closely spaced parallel runways at San Francisco International Airport in 2019. These flight demonstrations showed precise spacing is possible in real-world environments.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast Operator Investments|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/delivering/oiaa/investments/adsb/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505155629/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/delivering/oiaa/investments/adsb/|archive-date=2017-05-05}}</ref><ref name="auto10">{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2022 |title=ADS-B |url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/pilot/ima/ |access-date=December 22, 2022 |website=www.faa.gov |language=en-us |archive-date=April 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430183546/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/pilot/ima/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The FAA completed the IM standards, and manufacturers can produce the necessary avionics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2023 |title=ADS-B In Interval Management |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/adsb/pilot/ima |access-date=January 24, 2024 |website=FAA |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124165735/https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/adsb/pilot/ima |url-status=live }}</ref>

The FAA worked with American Airlines and ACSS to install ADS-B In avionics that enable IM on the airline's fleet of Airbus A321 aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 17, 2023 |title=AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE-BROADCAST IN RETROFIT SPACING TRIAL |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/domesticnotices/dom23038_sw.html |access-date=June 18, 2024 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref> The avionics enabled initial IM operations in Albuquerque en route airspace starting in 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Phelps |first=Mark |date=November 1, 2022 |title='Interval Management' Technology Set To Make Its Real-World Introduction |work=AvWeb |url=https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/interval-management-technology-set-to-make-its-real-world-introduction/ |access-date=November 30, 2022 |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130152842/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/interval-management-technology-set-to-make-its-real-world-introduction/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Operations will be used to gather benefits data to share with the aviation community to motivate other air carriers to equip for ADS-B In.

Another application is Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) Assisted Visual Separation (CAVS), which is used by air carriers to enhance traffic situational awareness. It allows a flight crew to continue a visual landing procedure using the electronic display to maintain separation if the pilot loses sight of traffic because of reduced visibility. It is expected to reduce go-arounds due to traffic flying too close on the final approach, which saves time and distance flown.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 4, 2016|title=Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) Assisted Visual Separation (CAVS) Benefits Analysis Report|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/media/CAVS_Benefits_Report.pdf|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=September 19, 2018|archive-date=May 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504194921/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/media/CAVS_Benefits_Report.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Standards are complete and ready for manufacturers to produce the necessary avionics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2023 |title=ADS-B CDTI-Assisted Visual Separation (CAVS) |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/adsb/pilot/cavs |access-date=January 24, 2024 |website=FAA |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124193522/https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/adsb/pilot/cavs |url-status=live }}</ref>

CDTI-Assisted Separation on Approach (CAS-A) is third type of application that uses ADS-B In. It is similar to CAVS except that pilots don't need to see the aircraft ahead through the window. Pilots also can continue flying at lower ceiling thresholds and with reduced spacing along the approach path during certain weather conditions to enable higher throughput.

As with IM, CAVS and CAS-A were installed on the American Airlines fleet of Airbus A321 aircraft, and the airline plans on sharing its data with the aviation community. The airline started operating CAVS in May 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 29, 2021|title=ADS-B CDTI-Assisted Visual Separation (CAVS)|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/pilot/cavs/|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=December 9, 2021|archive-date=December 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209195510/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/pilot/cavs/|url-status=live}}</ref> A fourth application the airline has tested will help to avoid wake turbulence. The vertical path indicator gives in-trail pilots the lead aircraft’s vertical path via an ADS-B guidance display.<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Airlines Set To Expand ADS-B In Functionality On A321s {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airlines-lessors/american-airlines-set-expand-ads-b-functionality-a321s |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=aviationweek.com}}</ref> Through the testing of ADS-B In capabilities, American Airlines is interested in equipping more of its aircraft for ADS-B In.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Air Traffic Trial Extensions Underscore ADS-B In Potential {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/safety-ops-regulation/us-air-traffic-trial-extensions-underscore-ads-b-potential |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=aviationweek.com |archive-date=2024-01-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124165735/https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/safety-ops-regulation/us-air-traffic-trial-extensions-underscore-ads-b-potential |url-status=live }}</ref> 

Although it can be used without it, a NASA-developed application called Traffic Aware Strategic Aircrew Requests (TASAR)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-06-18 |title=Traffic Aware Strategic Aircrew Requests (TASAR) « NASA Langley Crew Systems and Aviation Operations Branch |url=https://csaob.larc.nasa.gov/projects/tasar/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-01-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124165736/https://csaob.larc.nasa.gov/projects/tasar/ |url-status=live }}</ref> could benefit from aircraft equipped with ADS-B In. TASAR suggests a new route or altitude change to save time or fuel, and ADS-B In can assist by enabling the software to determine what requests will likely be approved by air traffic control due to nearby traffic. A NASA study of [[Alaska Airlines]] flights projected that the airline would save more than 1 million gallons of fuel, more than 110,000 minutes of flight time, and $5.2 million annually.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aviationweek.com/awincommercial/nasa-equip-alaska-airlines-ads-b-tool|title=NASA To Equip Alaska Airlines With ADS-B In Tool|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102172648/http://aviationweek.com/awincommercial/nasa-equip-alaska-airlines-ads-b-tool|archive-date=2016-11-02|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2017/06/13/alaska-airlines-save-5m-annually-new-data-management-installation/|title=Alaska Airlines Could Save $5M Annually with New Data Management Installation|date=June 13, 2017|website=Aviation Today|access-date=September 18, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152228/https://www.aviationtoday.com/2017/06/13/alaska-airlines-save-5m-annually-new-data-management-installation/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://phys.org/news/2015-09-nasa-developed-technology-aims-commercial-airlines.html|title=NASA-developed technology aims to save commercial airlines fuel, time|website=phys.org|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070314/https://phys.org/news/2015-09-nasa-developed-technology-aims-commercial-airlines.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Automation ===

==== Air Traffic Control Computer Stations ====
En route automation drives display screens used by air traffic controllers to safely manage and separate aircraft at cruising altitudes. Terminal automation is for controllers to manage air traffic immediately around major airports. It is used for separating and sequencing of aircraft, conflict and terrain avoidance alerts, weather advisories, and radar vectoring for departing and arriving traffic.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/tamr/|title=Terminal Automation Modernization and Replacement|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714022749/http://www.faa.gov/air%5Ftraffic/technology/tamr/|archive-date=2009-07-14|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The FAA's [[ERAM|En Route Automation Modernization]] (ERAM) platform replaced the legacy Host system for en route air traffic control in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2015-04-30/faa-declares-new-en-route-automation-system-operational|title=FAA Declares New En Route Automation System Is Operational|first=Bill|last=Carey|website=Aviation International News|access-date=2021-09-18|archive-date=2021-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152252/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2015-04-30/faa-declares-new-en-route-automation-system-operational|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2014/06/04/nextgen-enters-critical-era/|title=NextGen Enters Critical Era|date=June 4, 2014|website=Aviation Today|access-date=September 18, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152231/https://www.aviationtoday.com/2014/06/04/nextgen-enters-critical-era/|url-status=live}}</ref> A sustainment and enhancement program is in progress and scheduled to be completed in 2026. En route controllers can now track as many as 1,900 aircraft at a time, up from the previous 1,100 limit. Coverage extends beyond facility boundaries, enabling controllers to handle traffic more efficiently. This coverage is possible because ERAM can process data from 64 radars versus 24.

For pilots, ERAM increases flexible routing around congestion, weather, and other restrictions. Real-time air traffic management and information sharing on flight restrictions improves airlines' ability to plan flights with minimal changes. Reduced [[Aircraft vectoring|vectoring]] and increased radar coverage leads to smoother, faster, and more cost-efficient flights.

Trajectory modeling is more accurate, allowing maximum airspace use, better conflict detection, and improved decision-making. Two functionally identical channels with dual redundancy eliminate a single point of failure. ERAM also provides a user-friendly interface with customizable displays. It revolutionizes controller training with a realistic, high-fidelity system that challenges developmental practices with complex approaches, maneuvers, and simulated pilot scenarios that were unavailable with Host.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/eram/|title=En Route Automation Modernization|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714024307/http://www.faa.gov/air%5Ftraffic/technology/eram/|archive-date=2009-07-14|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Terminal Automation Modernization and Replacement program's [[Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System]] (STARS) replaced the legacy Automated Radar Terminal System. Installation was completed in 2021, and it is operating at more than 200 FAA and Department of Defense (DoD) terminal radar approach control facilities, and more than 600 FAA and DoD air traffic control tower facilities.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Terminal Automation Modernization and Replacement (TAMR)|url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/tamr/|access-date=2020-12-29|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us|archive-date=2009-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714022749/http://www.faa.gov/air%5Ftraffic/technology/tamr/|url-status=live}}</ref> 

STARS maintains safety while increasing cost-effectiveness at terminal facilities across the National Airspace System. It provides advanced features and functionalities for controllers, such as a state-of-the-art flat-panel LED display and the ability to save controller workstation preferences. It is also easier for technicians to maintain. Approach Runway Verification is a STARS function giving air traffic controllers visual and audible alerts if an aircraft on arrival is lined up with the  wrong runway, a closed runway, a taxiway, or wrong airport. At 50 facilities as of 2025, the FAA intends to bring this capability to every facility with STARS.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=http://www.faa.gov/approach-runway-verification |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250104052528/https://www.faa.gov/approach-runway-verification |archive-date=2025-01-04 |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=www.faa.gov}}</ref>

Although ERAM and STARS are not NextGen programs themselves, they lay the foundation to enable critical NextGen capabilities in terminal and en route airspace.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/automation/|title=NextGen Update 2017 Automation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430165158/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/automation/|archive-date=2017-04-30|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Traffic Flow Decision Support Systems ====
These FAA [[Decision support system|Decision Support Systems]] (DSS) are used by air traffic controllers to optimize traffic flow across the National Airspace System (NAS) and are central to the FAA's goal of trajectory-based operations:

* Traffic Flow Management System (TFMS)
* Time Based Flow Management (TBFM)
* Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM)
TFMS is the primary automation system used by the [[Air Traffic Control System Command Center]] and nationwide traffic management units to regulate air traffic flow, manage throughput, and plan for future air traffic demand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/Traffic_Flow_Management_System_(TFMS)|title=ASPMHelp|website=aspmhelp.faa.gov|access-date=2021-09-18|archive-date=2021-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152233/https://aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/Traffic_Flow_Management_System_(TFMS)|url-status=live}}</ref> TFMS's 31 tools exchange information and support other DSS through [[System Wide Information Management]] (SWIM). The FAA deployed a TFMS software refresh to 82 sites in 2016 and completed a hardware refresh at those sites in 2018. The FAA continues to develop future concepts for TFMS modeling and predicting capabilities.<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/decision_support_systems/|title=NextGen Update 2017 Decision Support Systems|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313080639/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/decision_support_systems/|archive-date=2015-03-13|url-status=dead}}</ref> Flow Management and Data Services (FMDS) is the planned to fully replace TFMS in 2031. FMDS is expected to improve data integration, increase data sharing, and manage the larger volume of continually produced NAS data.

TBFM allows traffic management units to schedule and optimize the arrival load for major airports. It is operational at 20 en route centers, 28 terminal radar approach control facilities (TRACON), and 54 airport towers. Its tools, such as extended metering and integrated departure arrival capability, help controllers sequence traffic with time instead of distance. Performance Based Navigation route and procedure data help improve predicted arrival times. The integrated departure arrival capability tool deployed to the sixth and final site in June 2022.

One future TBFM tool, terminal sequencing and spacing, will lengthen metering capability into terminal airspace. It was developed by NASA and delivered to the FAA in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/aero/nasa-delivers-traffic-spacing-tools-tss|title=NASA Delivers New Air Traffic Spacing Tool to FAA|first=Lillian|last=Gipson|date=February 24, 2015|website=NASA|access-date=September 18, 2021|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415182445/https://www.nasa.gov/aero/nasa-delivers-traffic-spacing-tools-tss/|url-status=live}}</ref> Another capability in development is machine learning trajectory prediction used to project aircraft location by using aircraft performance models. Through 2027, TBFM will be upgraded to meet security requirements. A sustainment project is underway to upgrade the hardware and software.

In 2016, the FAA awarded Lockheed Martin a $344 million contract to develop and deploy TFDM, which is a new system for surface management. It supports decision-making on the airport ground by integrating flight, surface surveillance, and traffic management information using SWIM. TFDM tools consist of electronic [[flight progress strip]]s, departure queue management, surface management, and surface situational awareness. Implementation of electronic flight data and the integration of TBFM and TFMS through SWIM will enable TFDM to consolidate some previously independent systems.<ref name="auto5"/>

The FAA started early implementation of the Surface Visualization Tool in 2014 and electronic flight strips in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=37|title=Phoenix Air Traffic Controllers look to the future with NextGen Technology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506184637/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=37|archive-date=2015-05-06|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=38|title=NextGen Opens a Window to Airports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814092208/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=38|archive-date=2015-08-14|url-status=dead}}</ref> The FAA and NASA in 2021 finished research and testing on a surface scheduling capability that calculates gate pushbacks at busy hub airports so that each airplane can roll directly to the runway and take off.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 28, 2021|title=New Software Capability Gets Planes Rolling Directly to the Runway, Reducing Fuel Burn and Taxi Time|url=https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/new-software-capability-gets-planes-rolling-directly-runway-reducing-fuel-burn-taxi-time|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=December 9, 2021|archive-date=December 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209165323/https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/new-software-capability-gets-planes-rolling-directly-runway-reducing-fuel-burn-taxi-time|url-status=live}}</ref> <abbr>TFDM</abbr> will be deployed in two configurations. Configuration A has full functionality, and Charlotte began operating in May 2024, the first of 27 large, high-density airports. Configuration B has improved electronic flight data and electronic flight strips. Cleveland began operating with these capabilities in October 2022. Another 21 sites are scheduled to receive this configuration. Deployment at all locations is planned for completion in July 2029.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2022 |title=TFDM Implementation Map and Timeline |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/tfdm/implementation |access-date=November 8, 2022 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108211459/https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/tfdm/implementation |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Advanced Technologies and Oceanic Procedures ====
Advanced Technologies and Oceanic Procedures (ATOP) replaced existing oceanic air traffic control systems and procedures. ATOP fully integrates flight and radar data processing, detects conflicts between aircraft, provides satellite data link communications and surveillance, eliminates paper flight strips, and automates manual processes.

ATOP fully modernizes oceanic air traffic control automation and allows flight operators to take further advantage of investments in cockpit digital communications. The FAA reduces intensive manual processes that limit controllers' ability to safely handle airline requests for more efficient tracks or altitudes over long oceanic routes. The FAA can meet international commitments of reducing aircraft separation standards, which increase flight capacity and efficiency.

ATOP is used at all three oceanic en route traffic control centers, which are in Anchorage, New York, and Oakland.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/atop/|title=Advanced Technologies and Oceanic Procedures|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714034056/http://www.faa.gov/air%5Ftraffic/technology/atop/|archive-date=2009-07-14|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=26|title=Ocean Flying Becoming a Breeze with NextGen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222063833/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=26|archive-date=2014-02-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> After the first technology refresh in 2009, ATOP's second refresh was completed at these centers in 2020, which is intended to support the system through 2028. An enhancement program started in 2018 comprises five large-scale capabilities. Deployment began in 2021 and is set to be complete in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 28, 2020 |title=Advanced Technologies & Oceanic Procedures (ATOP) |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/atop |access-date=December 22, 2022 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222203040/https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/atop |url-status=live }}</ref> These changes are intended to optimize flight trajectories, decrease controller workload, reduce costs, and improve system safety.

=== Information Management ===

==== System Wide Information Management ====
The FAA traditionally shared information using a variety of technologies, including radio, telephone, Internet, and dedicated virtual private network connections. However, the agency leveraged new information management technologies to improve information delivery and content.<ref name="auto11">{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/NGPA_2015.pdf|title=NextGen Operational Performance Assessment September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429034552/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/NGPA_2015.pdf|archive-date=2016-04-29|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2007, the FAA established the [[System Wide Information Management|SWIM]] program to implement a set of information technology principles in the National Airspace System (NAS) and provide users with relevant and commonly understandable information.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/swim/overview/|title=SWIM program overview|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305233040/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/swim/overview/|archive-date=2015-03-05|url-status=dead}}</ref> SWIM facilitates NextGen's data-sharing requirements, serving as the digital data-sharing backbone of the NAS.

This platform offers a single point of access for aeronautical, flight, surveillance, and weather data. Producers can publish data once, and approved consumers can access needed information through a single connection instead of linking two systems with fixed network connections and custom point-to-point application-level data interfaces. The format supports collaboration within domestic and international aviation communities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2015/10/09/evaluating-future-global-swim-implementation/|title=Evaluating Future Global SWIM Implementation|date=October 9, 2015|website=Aviation Today|access-date=September 18, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152242/https://www.aviationtoday.com/2015/10/09/evaluating-future-global-swim-implementation/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, the SWIM program completed its first segment, which established a common infrastructure and connection points at all en route traffic control centers. The program's second segment started in 2016. It established a service-oriented architecture — composed of producers, consumers, and a registry — and connected NAS programs, such as the Traffic Flow Management System, to provide large data sources for consumers. Several enhancements were later deployed—enterprise service monitoring,<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 21, 2023 |title=Enterprise Service Monitoring (ESM) |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/swim/esm |access-date=June 20, 2024 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref> identity and access management,<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 21, 2023 |title=Identity and Access Management (IAM) |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/swim/iam |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref> NAS common reference service,<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 20, 2024 |title=NAS Common Reference (NCR) |url=https://aa.data.faa.gov/data/service.jsf?uuid=18c200af-d052-4d77-a274-c99851a4b81b |access-date=June 20, 2024 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=June 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620133213/https://aa.data.faa.gov/data/service.jsf?uuid=18c200af-d052-4d77-a274-c99851a4b81b |url-status=dead }}</ref> SWIM Terminal Data Distribution System,<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2024 |title=SWIM Terminal Data Distribution System (STDDS) |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/swim/stdds |access-date=June 20, 2024 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref> and SWIM Flight Data Publication Service<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2024 |title=SWIM Flight Data Publication Service (SFDPS) |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/swim/sfdps |access-date=June 20, 2024 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref>—and SWIM continues to add NAS air traffic management content providers and consumers. The FAA is working on software and hardware enhancements as well as technology refreshments to keep up with an expanding information environment.

As of 2024, 51 FAA programs and external organizations, including airlines, produce data for more than 200 services via the SWIM network. Of the more than 800 registered consumers, about 400 are regular users.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How NextGen Works|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/how_nextgen_works/|access-date=2020-08-24|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us|archive-date=2020-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823005253/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/how_nextgen_works/|url-status=live}}</ref> The SWIM Cloud Distribution Service (SCDS) was established in 2019 to simplify how users can gain access to non-sensitive NAS information.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 21, 2019 |title=Connecting System Wide Information Management (SWIM) to the Cloud |url=https://connectedaviationtoday.com/connecting-system-wide-information-management-cloud/#.Xfzf_fk3ncs |work=Connected Aviation Today |access-date=December 20, 2019 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505132604/https://connectedaviationtoday.com/connecting-system-wide-information-management-cloud/#.Xfzf_fk3ncs |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2021, the SWIM Industry-FAA Team (SWIFT) portal started, which updates and enhances the SCDS.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2024 |title=Welcome to the SWIM Industry-FAA Team (SWIFT) Initiative |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/swim/swift |access-date=June 20, 2024 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref> SWIFT and a user forum are two resources where individuals and organizations can learn more about SWIM.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 20, 2024 |title=System Wide Information Management (SWIM) Users Forum |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/swim/users_forum |access-date=January 22, 2025 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref> 

SWIM reduces costs, can increase operational efficiency, and opens the possibility of creating new services for the aviation community. Data sharing among pilots, flight operations personnel, controllers, and air traffic managers is essential to achieving a NextGen objective of trajectory-based operations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/swim/|title=NextGen Update: 2017 System Wide Information Management|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313060719/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/swim/|archive-date=2015-03-13|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Airlines and airports have reported using FAA data to improve operations. The most extensive use of SWIM data was supporting improved awareness of operating conditions and flight status, especially on the airport surface and in situations when aircraft transition from contact with one air traffic control center to the next. Connected aircraft is a concept to deliver high-performance communications in future operations by using commercial broadband internet services instead of aviation-specific infrastructure. Aircraft will be able to access SWIM data for improved decision-making.<ref>{{Cite web |last=III |first=Woodrow Bellamy |date=2019-06-18 |title=FAA Researching Use of Airplane Connectivity for SWIM |url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2019/06/18/faa-researching-use-airplane-connectivity-swim/ |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=Avionics International |language=en}}</ref> 

The most dynamic use of real-time surveillance data outside the FAA may be providing flight-tracking services to the flying public and aviation businesses. Through web browsers and mobile apps, service subscribers can access current information about flight and airport status and delays.<ref name="auto11" />

==== Aeronautical Mobile Airport Communication System  ====
Transmission of information necessary to conduct efficient airport surface operations in the years ahead will be possible with the Aeronautical Mobile Airport Communication System (AeroMACS). The system uses [[wireless broadband]] technology that supports the increasing need for data communications and information sharing on the airport surface for fixed and mobile applications now and into the future.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wimaxforum.org/Page/AeroMACS|title=AeroMACS {{pipe}} WiMAX Forum Initiative|website=wimaxforum.org|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070545/http://wimaxforum.org/Page/AeroMACS|url-status=live}}</ref>

Besides improved capacity, aging airport communications infrastructure requires more extensive and expensive monitoring, maintenance, repair, or replacement. Airport construction and unexpected equipment outages also require temporary communications alternatives, and AeroMACS also could serve as a backup. The system was implemented in 2017 under the FAA Airport Surface Surveillance Capability program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2017/04/28/expect-2017-aeecamc-conference/|title=What to Expect at the 2017 AEEC/AMC Conference|date=April 28, 2017|website=Aviation Today|access-date=September 18, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152303/https://www.aviationtoday.com/2017/04/28/expect-2017-aeecamc-conference/|url-status=live}}</ref> As of December 2020, more than 50 airports in nearly 15 countries are using AeroMACS. It could take up to 20 years to deploy the technology to more than 40,000 airports worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Skelly |first=Clare |date=2020-12-21 |title=NASA Helps Bring Airport Communications into the Digital Age |url=http://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-helps-bring-airport-communications-into-the-digital-age |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=NASA |archive-date=2022-12-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219230323/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-helps-bring-airport-communications-into-the-digital-age/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Weather ===
The FAA's NextGen Weather program provides aviation weather products that support air traffic management during weather events, helping to improve aviation safety and minimize passenger delays. The largest cause of National Airspace System (NAS) air traffic delays is weather, which was responsible for 75 percent of system-impacting delays of more than 15 minutes from June 2017 to May 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/weather/|title=NextGen Weather|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230104221/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/weather/|archive-date=2014-12-30|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2024 |title=FAQ: Weather Delay |url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/weather/faq |access-date=January 21, 2025 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref> With more accurate and timely weather predictions, airports and airlines could prevent as many as two-thirds of weather-related delays and cancellations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.raytheon.com/news/feature/aviation_weather.html|title=The pain of rain that's mainly on the planes|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120124450/https://www.raytheon.com/news/feature/aviation_weather.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Aviation weather is composed of information observation, processing, and dissemination. NextGen weather systems consist of the NextGen Weather Processor (NWP) to generate advanced aviation-specific weather products and Common Support Services– Weather (CSS-Wx) for dissemination of these products. Both started operating at the national enterprise management centers in Atlanta and Salt Lake City in 2024, and full deployment is scheduled to be completed in 2025. Five en route centers and the Potomac TRACON are getting the NWP.  Aviation weather displays will be located at the Air Traffic Control System Command Center, 21 en route centers, three center radar approach control (CERAP) facilities, and 45 TRACONs. The William J. Hughes Technical Center will receive a NWP external web server via the internet for non-FAA users of the aviation weather display. CSS-Wx will be available at 21 en route centers and three CERAPs.

The NWP program establishes a common weather processing platform to replace the legacy FAA weather processor systems and offers new capabilities. The fully automated NWP identifies safety hazards around airports and in cruising altitude airspace. It supports strategic traffic flow management, including the translated weather information needed to predict route blockage and airspace capacity constraints up to 8 hours in advance. NWP uses advanced algorithms to create current and predicted aviation-specific weather information with data from the FAA and [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] (NOAA) radar and sensors, and NOAA forecast models. Part of the NWP, the Aviation Weather Display consolidates the current Weather and Radar Processor, Integrated Terminal Weather System, and the Corridor Integrated Weather System displays. The Aviation Weather Display provides consistent weather information at a glance for en route and terminal controllers, and includes NWP and NOAA weather products.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NextGen Weather Processor (NWP)|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/weather/nwp/|access-date=2020-08-24|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us|archive-date=2020-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019222556/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/weather/nwp/|url-status=live}}</ref>

CSS-Wx is the single producer of weather data, products, and imagery within the NAS, using standards-based weather dissemination via SWIM. It consolidates and enables the decommissioning of legacy weather dissemination systems. It also offers NWP and NOAA weather products, and other weather sources for integration into air traffic decision support systems, improving the quality of traffic management decisions and enhancing controller productivity during severe weather. CSS-Wx information consumers include air traffic controllers and managers, commercial and general aviation operators, and the flying public.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Common Support Services - Weather (CSS-Wx)|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/weather/csswx/|access-date=2020-08-24|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us|archive-date=2020-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803151614/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/weather/csswx/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The FAA's Weather Technology in the Cockpit team of researchers are experts on the pitfalls of how weather is displayed in [[general aviation]] cockpits.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Weather Technology in the Cockpit|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/weather/wtic/|access-date=2020-08-24|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us|archive-date=2020-09-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922084529/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/weather/wtic/|url-status=live}}</ref> Their main research goal is to encourage improvements in how meteorological information is shown to pilots so they can consistently and accurately interpret that information, understand its limitations, and use it to avoid bad weather.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbaa.org/events/bace/2016/newsroom/news/20161102-faa-teams-working-to-improve-quality-of-available-weather-information-to-pilots.php\|title=FAA Teams Working to Improve Quality of Available Weather Information to Pilots|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070347/https://www.nbaa.org/events/bace/2016/newsroom/news/20161102-faa-teams-working-to-improve-quality-of-available-weather-information-to-pilots.php|archive-date=2018-01-20|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ams.confex.com/ams/93Annual/webprogram/Paper220086.html|title=The FAA's Weather Technology in the Cockpit Program - An Overview and Discussion of Challenges Ahead|first1=S.|last1=Abelman|date=January 10, 2013|publisher=AMS|via=ams.confex.com|access-date=January 19, 2018|archive-date=January 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065943/https://ams.confex.com/ams/93Annual/webprogram/Paper220086.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Multiple Runway Operations and Separation Management ===
Efficiency of multiple runway operations (MRO), particularly those that are closely spaced, has been limited by safety risks, including collisions and [[wake turbulence]] with nearby aircraft. MRO advancements improve access to closely spaced parallel runways to enable more departure and arrival operations during [[instrument meteorological conditions]], which increase efficiency and capacity while reducing flight delays. The advancements enable the use of simultaneous approaches in low-visibility conditions, decrease separation for approaches to runways with stricter spacing requirements, and reduce the effects of wake turbulence that leads to increased separation.<ref name="auto14">{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/NG_Priorities_Joint_Implementation_Plan.pdf|title=NextGen Priorities Joint Implementation Plan Executive Report Rolling Plan 2017-2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128050224/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/NG_Priorities_Joint_Implementation_Plan.pdf|archive-date=2017-01-28|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/priorities/?area=mro|title=NextGen Priorities - Multiple Runway Operations|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030035649/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/priorities/?area=mro|archive-date=2014-10-30|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Revised wake separation standards, known as wake recategorization or wake recat, have been reduced at terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities and airports across the United States.<ref name="auto11"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/collaboration/advisory_committee/|title=NextGen Update: 2017 NextGen Advisory Committee|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313113732/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/collaboration/advisory_committee/|archive-date=2015-03-13|url-status=dead}}</ref> Phase 1 of wake recat replaced a weight-based standard with new size categories more optimally based on aircraft wake turbulence characteristics. Phase 1.5 refined Phase 1 with further reductions to separation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/NG_Priorities_Joint_Implementation_Plan.pdf|title=NextGen Priorities Joint Implementation Plan 2017-2019|date=September 23, 2016|access-date=January 19, 2018|archive-date=January 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128050224/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/NG_Priorities_Joint_Implementation_Plan.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> These phases were implemented at 31 airports. 

Phase 2 defined pairwise wake turbulence separation standards among 123 aircraft types that make up 99 percent of global operations at 32 U.S. airports. Air traffic control operations then can implement customized wake turbulence categories optimized to maximize the benefit for an airport fleet. With these changes, airports experienced as high as an average 10 percent increase in throughput, enabling more aircraft to take off and land with shorter wait times on taxiways and runways.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 22, 2025 |title=NextGen Annual Report Fiscal Year 2023 |url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/NextGen-Annual-Report-2023.pdf |access-date=January 22, 2025 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref> At Indianapolis, airlines save more than $2 million per year in operational costs with wake recat. At Philadelphia, airlines save about $800,000 per year.<ref name="auto14" />

Consolidated wake turbulence (CWT) aimed to use the best set of separation standards derived from these phases. The FAA finished converting legacy standards from the two phases into CWT standards at 19 TRACON facilities in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2021 |title=NextGen Advisory Committee NextGen Priorities Joint Implementation Plan CY2019–2022: 2021 Update |url=https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2021-11/NACNextGenPrioritiesJointImplementationPlanCY2019-2022-2021Update.pdf |website=Federal Aviation Administration |access-date=December 10, 2021 |archive-date=December 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210183646/https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2021-11/NACNextGenPrioritiesJointImplementationPlanCY2019-2022-2021Update.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2023 |title=NextGen Advisory Committee NextGen Priorities Joint Implementation Plan 2022 Update |url=https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/20230202_NAC_NextGen_Joint_Implementation_Plan_2022_Update_Final.pdf |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=FAA |archive-date=May 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510075501/https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/20230202_NAC_NextGen_Joint_Implementation_Plan_2022_Update_Final.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The final phase is to develop dynamic wake separation enhancements for decision support systems taking wind into account. A total wind dynamic wake separation enhancement will give terminal area controllers a suite of decision support tools expected to increase airport throughput by an estimated 5 percent to 10 percent beyond what was already accomplished by the Phase II-based static wake separation standards.

The FAA continues to evaluate procedures at airports with closely spaced parallel runways with simultaneous approaches and departures.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/delivering/oiaa/airports/|title=NextGen Airports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502100300/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/delivering/oiaa/airports/|archive-date=2017-05-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> With independent runways, aircraft can pass aircraft approaching the parallel runway next to them while dependent runways require pilots to maintain a diagonal separation.  

After determining that lateral runway separation can be safely reduced, the FAA revised the separation standard from 4,300 feet to 3,600 feet for independent arrivals in August 2013.  Dual independent parallel operations started operating in Atlanta in 2014. Dual independent parallel operations with offset started operating in Detroit in 2015 and at Chicago-O'Hare in 2016. Triple independent parallel operations started in Atlanta and Washington-Dulles in 2017. Further revisions to closely spaced parallel operations were included in the November 2015 update to [[FAA Order 7110.65]], Air Traffic Control. The revisions reduce lateral separation requirements to as close as 3,900 feet for triple independent approaches, and 3,000 feet for offset dual independent approaches without requiring high-update-rate radar or Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast. 

Dependent parallel operations at 1&nbsp;nm for runways less than 2,500 feet to 3,600 feet apart began operations at Dallas-Love Field, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, and Seattle in 2016, and in San Francisco in 2017. Dependent parallel operations for runways more than 3,600 feet apart started operating at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Louisville, Memphis, and Phoenix in 2017. For dual-dependent approaches, the runway spacing requirement remains 2,500 feet, but the diagonal spacing was reduced from 1.5 nautical miles (nm) to 1 nm. In 2018, FAA Order 7110.308C identified specific airports — Boston, Cleveland, Memphis, Newark, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco, and St. Louis — with runways spaced less than 2,500 feet apart that can reduce diagonal spacing between aircraft on parallel approaches from 1.5&nbsp;nm to 1&nbsp;nm.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NextGen Airports |url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/working_together/airports/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518055951/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/working_together/airports/ |archive-date=2018-05-18}}</ref>

The Converging Runway Display Aid is an automation tool used by air traffic controllers to manage the sequence of arrival flows on converging or intersecting runways.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Performance Reporting – Capabilities|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/reporting/capabilities/#crda|access-date=2020-08-24|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us|archive-date=2021-03-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329140317/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/reporting/capabilities/#crda|url-status=live}}</ref> It is operational at Boston, Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Las Vegas, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Newark, Phoenix, and Philadelphia, and enhances an airport's throughput under certain conditions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/ct-ohare-converging-runways-getting-around-met-0928-20150927-column.html|title='Ghost planes' display aid at O'Hare helping safety, capacity problems|first=Jon|last=Hilkevitch|website=chicagotribune.com|date=28 September 2015|access-date=18 September 2021|archive-date=18 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152220/https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/ct-ohare-converging-runways-getting-around-met-0928-20150927-column.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

A separation efficiency tool called Automated Terminal Proximity Alert was first implemented at Minneapolis-St. Paul in May 2011 and now is deployed at 14 TRACON facilities across the country. It better informs air traffic controllers of gaps so they can tell pilots to adjust their speed or direct them to a shorter path to the runway. During its first year of use, the number of [[go-around]]s declined by 23 percent for flights headed to Minneapolis-St. Paul. Excess flight time due to a go-around decreased by 19 percent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=19|title=NextGen Tool Helps Aircraft Stay the Course|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410101146/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=19|archive-date=2014-04-10|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.airtrafficmanagement.net/2013/11/wake-recategorization-begins-at-louisville/|title=Wake re-categorization begins at Louisville|date=13 November 2023|access-date=19 January 2018|archive-date=20 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070617/http://www.airtrafficmanagement.net/2013/11/wake-recategorization-begins-at-louisville/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Improved Approaches and Low-Visibility Operations ===
The FAA supports several optional capabilities for operators who need to access an airport when the cloud ceiling is less than 200 feet above the runway or visibility is less than a half mile. They help to achieve NextGen goals of safely increasing access, efficiency, and throughput at many airports when low visibility is the limiting factor.  For instance, after a reduction of minimum visual runway range requirements, an FAA assessment showed airport access during low-visibility conditions improved in two ways: almost 6 percent fewer periods with no access and 17 percent more flights could land.<ref name="auto11" />

[[Head-up display]]s (HUD) were approved to use on a precision approach to lower minimum decision heights to land. Use of a qualified HUD when flying to a suitable [[Instrument landing system|Instrument Landing System]] facility reduces the required runway visual range visibility for approach.

The FAA allows the use of an [[enhanced flight vision system]] (EFVS) instead of natural vision to conduct an instrument landing procedure in low-visibility conditions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/new-faa-rules-let-technology-replace-natural-vision|title=New FAA Rules Let Technology Replace Natural Vision|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111151324/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/new-faa-rules-let-technology-replace-natural-vision|archive-date=2017-01-11|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/FAA-Expands-Enhanced-Vision-Capabilities-228201-1.html|title=FAA Expands Enhanced Vision Capabilities|date=13 December 2016|access-date=19 January 2018|archive-date=16 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216190022/http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/FAA-Expands-Enhanced-Vision-Capabilities-228201-1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> EFVS uses sensor technologies to give pilots a clear, real-time virtual image of the view outside the aircraft, regardless of the cloud cover and visibility conditions. Pilots can identify required visual references that would be impossible without it. It provides access that otherwise would be denied because of low visibility. A [[Synthetic vision system|synthetic vision guidance system]] combines flight guidance display technology with high-precision position assurance monitors to continuously and correctly depict the external scene and runway. It can assist a pilot's transition to natural vision references.

Enhanced Low Visibility Operations (ELVO) was a low-cost infrastructure program to reduce minimum ceilings and [[runway visual range]] through a combination of ground equipment and navigation procedures. Most ELVO improvements resulted from FAA Order 8400.13.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Improved Approaches and Low-Visibility Operations |url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/cip/ialvo/#:~:text=Improved%20Approaches%20and%20Low-Visibility%20Operations%20include%20capabilities%20designed%20to,and%20improved%20precision%20approach%20guidance. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017185222/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/cip/ialvo/#:~:text=Improved%20Approaches%20and%20Low-Visibility%20Operations%20include%20capabilities%20designed%20to,and%20improved%20precision%20approach%20guidance. |archive-date=2020-10-17 |access-date=2020-09-02 |website=www.faa.gov |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Performance Reporting – Capabilities |url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/reporting/capabilities/#elvo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329140317/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/reporting/capabilities/#elvo |archive-date=2021-03-29 |access-date=2020-09-02 |website=www.faa.gov |language=en-us}}</ref> The Ground Based Augmentation System Landing System (GBAS) uses GPS navigation to support all precision-approach categories. Newark Liberty International Airport and Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport operate non-federal GBAS systems approved for operations to as low as 200 feet above the runway.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/delivering/oiaa/investments/|title=NextGen Operator Investments|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502100203/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/delivering/oiaa/investments/|archive-date=2017-05-02|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 27, 2024 |title=Satellite Navigation - GBAS - News |url=https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/techops/navservices/gnss/laas/news |access-date=January 22, 2025 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref>

=== Remote Towers ===
Remote tower technology may enable controlled air traffic for small airports without a physical tower or that need to replace an aging tower. Controllers from the remote site may monitor and separate traffic by viewing the scene at the airport equipped with a panoramic color video cameras with pan-tilt-zoom and night vision features. Automated identification and relevant aircraft information may also be displayed on video monitors. 

At Leesburg Executive Airport in Virginia, the FAA had authorized air traffic control services to use this system as a test site<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trautvetter |first=Chad |title=FAA: Remote Tower at Leesburg 'Operationally Viable' |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2021-11-10/faa-remote-tower-leesburg-operationally-viable |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208052838/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2021-11-10/faa-remote-tower-leesburg-operationally-viable |archive-date=2021-12-08 |access-date=2021-12-09 |website=Aviation International News |language=en}}</ref> until the vendor decided to end the project in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=David |title=Leesburg Moving On from Its Remote Tower |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-06-26/leesburg-moving-its-remote-tower |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628195820/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-06-26/leesburg-moving-its-remote-tower |archive-date=2023-06-28 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Aviation International News |language=en}}</ref> Testing at the other tower at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport near Fort Collins/Loveland<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-25 |title=Remote ATC Testing to Begin at Northern Colorado Regional Airport |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/remote-atc-testing-northern-colorado/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209193018/https://www.flyingmag.com/remote-atc-testing-northern-colorado/ |archive-date=2021-12-09 |access-date=2021-12-09 |website=Flying Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> has been paused.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Phelps |first=Mark |date=2023-04-12 |title=Colorado Airport Hopes To Retain Remote Tower Capabilities |url=https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/colorado-airport-hopes-to-retain-remote-tower-capabilities/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507235219/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/colorado-airport-hopes-to-retain-remote-tower-capabilities/ |archive-date=2023-05-07 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=AVweb |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Colorado Remote Tower Project |url=https://www.codot.gov/programs/remotetower |access-date=2025-01-21 |website=Colorado Department of Transportation |language=en-us}}</ref> The FAA continues to evaluate [[Remote and virtual tower|remote tower]] technology as a potentially cost-effective alternative to traditional federal contract towers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2021 |title=Remote Tower Systems (RTS) Airports |url=https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/non_federal/remote_tower_systems/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209193017/https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/non_federal/remote_tower_systems/ |archive-date=December 9, 2021 |access-date=December 9, 2021 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref> The agency completed construction of a test bed at the William J. Hughes Technical Center and Atlantic City International Airport in 2024 to better understand the full capabilities of a remote tower system.

=== Energy and Environment ===
The FAA's environmental vision is to develop and operate a system that protects the environment while allowing for sustained aviation growth. The FAA Office of Environment and Energy Research and Development is working to reduce air and water pollution, carbon dioxide emissions that may affect climate, and noise that can disturb residents near airports. [[Airframe]] and [[aircraft engine]] technology, [[alternative fuel]]s, air traffic management modernization and operational improvements, improved scientific knowledge and integrated modeling, and policies, environmental standards, and market-based measures will contribute toward meeting almost all of these goals. Noise and emissions will be the main environmental problems for National Airspace System (NAS) capacity and flexibility unless they are effectively managed and mitigated.<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 2012|title=Aviation Environmental and Energy Policy Statement|url=https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/environ_policy_guidance/policy/media/faa_ee_policy_statement.pdf|access-date=2020-08-21|archive-date=2020-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018082707/https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/environ_policy_guidance/policy/media/FAA_EE_Policy_Statement.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

An FAA study conducted in 2015 showed that since 1975, the number of people flying in the United States increased from about 200 million to an estimated 800 million, yet the number of people exposed to significant aircraft noise had dropped from about 7 million to nearly 340,000.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 13, 2017|title=New Quieter Aircraft|url=https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=88905|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=August 20, 2020|archive-date=December 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202041717/https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=88905|url-status=live}}</ref> Even with this decrease, community concern regarding aircraft noise is climbing. The FAA aims to minimize the impact of noise on residential areas without compromising safety. The agency's goal was to reduce the number of people around airports exposed to a day-night average aircraft sound level of 65 decibels to less than 300,000 by 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 5, 2015|title=What's All The Noise About Airport Noise|url=http://aireform.com/wp-content/uploads/20150205..-What%E2%80%99s-All-The-Noise-About-Airport-Noise-FAA-C.Burleson-slideshow-f-ACI-NA-CEO-Forum-7p.pdf|access-date=August 14, 2020|archive-date=August 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822001550/http://aireform.com/wp-content/uploads/20150205..-What%E2%80%99s-All-The-Noise-About-Airport-Noise-FAA-C.Burleson-slideshow-f-ACI-NA-CEO-Forum-7p.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> One way the agency planned to achieve it was by adopting a new noise standard for certain newly certificated subsonic jet airplanes and subsonic transport category large airplanes.<ref name="auto15"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=October 4, 2017|title=Stage 5 Airplane Noise Standards|url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/10/04/2017-21092/stage-5-airplane-noise-standards|website=Federal Register|access-date=August 14, 2020|archive-date=September 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904232256/https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/10/04/2017-21092/stage-5-airplane-noise-standards|url-status=live}}</ref>

The FAA's neighborhood environment survey, the largest of its kind, about aircraft noise exposure and its effects on communities around airports was completed in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 7, 2015|title=FAA To Re-Evaluate Method for Measuring Effects of Aircraft Noise|url=https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=18774|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=August 14, 2020|archive-date=December 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202041818/https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=18774|url-status=live}}</ref> The results showed that considerably more people are upset by aircraft noise regardless of the level.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 29, 2022 |title=Neighborhood Environmental Survey |url=https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/policy_guidance/noise/survey#results |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228182841/https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/policy_guidance/noise/survey#results |url-status=live }}</ref> The FAA will use those results and other research underway to re-evaluate criteria to define significance under the [[National Environmental Policy Act]] and federal land use guidelines. In addition, the FAA has researched other affected areas, such as sleep disturbance, cardiovascular health, and children's learning.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 2018|title=Research Review of Selected Aviation Noise Issues by Federal Interagency Committee on Aviation Noise|url=https://fican1.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/fican_research_review_2018.pdf|access-date=2020-08-14|archive-date=2020-09-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921112653/https://fican1.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/fican_research_review_2018.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The FAA also is examining the potential noise effects of new aircraft in the NAS, such as drones and supersonic jets.<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 30, 2020|title=Supersonic Aircraft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking|url=https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=24796|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=August 14, 2020|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809042557/https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=24796|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and Noise (CLEEN) program is a public-private partnership under NextGen to accelerate development and commercial deployment of more-efficient technologies and sustainable alternative fuels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/research/aircraft_technology/cleen/|title=Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and Noise Program|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101000308/http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/research/aircraft_technology/cleen/|archive-date=2011-11-01|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first five-year agreement with manufacturers from 2010 to 2015 produced jet engine, wing, and aerodynamic technologies; automation and flight management systems; fuels; and materials. One result of this effort is [[GE Aviation|General Electric's]] Twin Annular Premixing Swirler II Combustor, which reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 60 percent compared to the [[International Civil Aviation Organization]] (ICAO) [[nitrogen oxide]] standard adopted in 2004. A second five-year agreement started in 2015 aimed to lower cumulative noise levels, reduce fuel consumption, cut nitrogen oxide emissions, and speed commercialization of alternative jet fuels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=20994|title=Fact Sheet – Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and Noise II (CLEEN II Program)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131025444/https://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=20994|archive-date=2017-01-31|url-status=dead}}</ref> 

Both phases are estimated to lower the aviation industry consumption of fuel by 51.1 billion gallons through 2050, reducing airline costs by $200 billion, and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 500 million metric tons. Another potential benefit is a 10 percent reduction in the noise contour area by 2050.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2024 |title=Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) Program Summary and Status Report |url=https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/eee/technology_saf_operations/cleen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210175918/https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/continuous-lower-energy-emissions-and-noise-cleen-program?newsId=22534 |archive-date=December 10, 2021 |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref>

A third five-year phase of CLEEN started in 2021. The FAA awarded more than $100 million for six companies to help develop technologies that reduce fuel use, emissions, and noise. Goals are to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by improving fuel efficiency by at least 20 percent below the relevant ICAO standard, drop nitrogen oxide emissions by 70 percent relative to the most recent ICAO standard, lower particulate matter emissions below the ICAO standard, and slash noise by 25&nbsp;dB cumulative relative to the FAA Stage 5 standard.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 10, 2021|title=FAA Awards $100M to Develop Next Generation of Sustainable Aircraft Technology|url=https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-awards-100m-develop-next-generation-sustainable-aircraft-technology|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=December 10, 2021|archive-date=December 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210175921/https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-awards-100m-develop-next-generation-sustainable-aircraft-technology|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

Since 2009, [[ASTM International]] approved five ways of producing sustainable alternative jet fuel that requires no modification to aircraft or engines, and more are being developed, tested, and evaluated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/delivering/oiaa/investments/aeft/|title=Aircraft Engine, Airframe, and Fuel Technology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505155637/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/delivering/oiaa/investments/aeft/|archive-date=2017-05-05|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=New Alternative Jet Fuel Approved|url=https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=85425|access-date=2020-08-21|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us|archive-date=2020-11-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101055740/https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=85425|url-status=live}}</ref> The FAA's efforts helped [[United Airlines]] use an alternative jet fuel made from hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids for its daily operations at Los Angeles starting in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/03/11/united-airlines-is-flying-on-biofuels-heres-why-thats-a-really-big-deal/|title=United Airlines is flying on biofuels. Here's why that's a really big deal.|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-02-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221014250/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/03/11/united-airlines-is-flying-on-biofuels-heres-why-thats-a-really-big-deal/|url-status=live}}</ref> The airline in 2021 flew a Boeing 737 Max 8 with one of its engines running on 100 percent alternative aviation fuel.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Al-Heeti|first=Abrar|title=United becomes first airline to fly passenger aircraft using 100% sustainable aviation fuel|url=https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/united-becomes-first-airline-to-fly-passenger-aircraft-using-100-sustainable-aviation-fuel/|access-date=2021-12-10|website=Roadshow|date=2 December 2021 |language=en|archive-date=2021-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210175919/https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/united-becomes-first-airline-to-fly-passenger-aircraft-using-100-sustainable-aviation-fuel/|url-status=live}}</ref> The near-term goal is to produce 3 billion gallons of sustainable alternative aviation fuel by 2030, and the ultimate goal is nearly 35 billion gallons by 2050, enough to meet the entire industry need.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 19, 2022 |title=Technology, Sustainable Aviation Fuels, and Operations |url=https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/aee/technology_saf_operations |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228182839/https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/aee/technology_saf_operations |url-status=live }}</ref>

More than 222,000 registered piston engine general aviation aircraft can operate with leaded [[Avgas|aviation gasoline]], the only remaining transportation fuel in the United States that contains [[Tetraethyllead|lead]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2022 |title=Aviation Gasoline |url=https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/avgas |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228182841/https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/avgas |url-status=live }}</ref> The FAA and Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative have been researching an acceptable unleaded fuel alternative.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/general_aviation/fuel_technology/|title=NextGen Update 2017 Fuel Technology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313105926/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/general_aviation/fuel_technology/|archive-date=2015-03-13|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=July 10, 2019|title=FAA Issues Update on Unleaded Avgas Research|url=https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2019/july/10/faa-issues-update-on-unleaded-avgas-research|website=AOPA|access-date=August 13, 2020|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815211928/https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2019/july/10/faa-issues-update-on-unleaded-avgas-research|url-status=live}}</ref> The FAA approved the first unleaded fuel that can be used for all piston engine aircraft September 1, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-09 |title=GA moves closer to unleaded future |url=https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2022/september/01/closer-to-an-unleaded-future |access-date=2022-09-02 |website=www.aopa.org |archive-date=2022-09-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902001723/https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2022/september/01/closer-to-an-unleaded-future |url-status=live }}</ref> The goal is to have only unleaded aviation fuel available by the end of 2030.

The FAA uses the Aviation Environmental Design Tool to assess the environmental effect of federal actions at airports as well as on air traffic, airspace, and aviation procedures. Along with other federal agencies and [[Transport Canada]], the FAA funds the Aviation Sustainability Center, which is contributing to developing international aviation emission and noise standards. In 2016, the United States and 22 countries reached an agreement on a first-ever global aircraft carbon dioxide standard to encourage more fuel-efficient technologies to be integrated into aircraft designs.<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 8, 2016|title=Statement by FAA Administrator Michael Huerta on Global Carbon Emissions Standards Agreement|url=https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=19954|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=August 14, 2020|archive-date=March 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331053542/https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=19954|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, the ICAO council adopted a new environmental measure of non-volatile particulate matter emissions.<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 13, 2020|title=ICAO Council adopts important environmental standard|url=https://www.icao.int/Newsroom/Pages/ICAO-Council-adopts-important-environmental-standard.aspx|website=ICAO|access-date=August 14, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925170735/https://www.icao.int/Newsroom/Pages/ICAO-Council-adopts-important-environmental-standard.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> It replaces the 1970s-era "smoke number" — a figure that describes the visibility of emissions — with a much more accurate measure of emissions particles.

=== Safety ===
The FAA's safety program is guided by its [[Safety management systems|Safety Management System]] — an agency-wide approach that directs the management of NextGen initiatives. NextGen capabilities must maintain safe operations in the National Airspace System (NAS), and the FAA has many processes to ensure that flying remains safe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/portfolios/?portfolioId=17|title=NextGen portfolio System Safety Management|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502095913/https://www.faa.gov/NextGen/snapshots/portfolios/?portfolioId=17|archive-date=2017-05-02|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/safety/|title=NextGen Update 2017 Safety|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312155111/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/progress_and_plans/safety/|archive-date=2015-03-12|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The interconnected nature of NextGen presents complicated safety challenges that call for an integrated path to safety [[risk management]]. Integrated safety risk management explores safety risk from a NAS enterprise framework to identify potential safety gaps inherent in NextGen capabilities. It identifies safety issues by assessing risk across organizational, system, and program boundaries, and relies on FAA-wide collaboration to capture the most relevant safety information to assist in decision-making.

Aviation watchdogs once measured safety by the number of accidents. Commercial aviation accidents eventually became so rare that the FAA began to measure potential precursors to accidents. Loss of a safe margin of separation between aircraft became the risk measure that the FAA tracked and reported. Proximity is a valid indicator, but is an incomplete picture and provides no insight into accidents' causal factors. System Safety Management is a NextGen portfolio of initiatives to develop and implement policies, processes, and analytical tools that the FAA and industry uses to ensure the safety of the NAS. The goal is to be certain that changes introduced with NextGen capabilities maintain or enhance safety while delivering capacity and efficiency benefits to NAS users.

Improved risk analysis processes and new safety intelligence tools help safety analysts go beyond examining past accident data to detecting risk and implementing strategies to prevent accidents. The System Safety Management Transformation program enables safety analyses to determine how NAS-wide operational improvements will affect safety and evaluate potential ways to reduce safety risk. It consists of three tools: Airport Surface Anomaly Investigation Capability, Integrated Safety Assessment Model,<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Borener |first1=Sherry S. |last2=Guzhva |first2=Vitaly S. |last3=Crook |first3=Ian |last4=Fraga |first4=Rafael |date=2016 |title=Safety Assessment of Implemented NextGen Operational Improvements |journal=Transportation Research Procedia |volume=14 |pages=3731–3740 |doi=10.1016/j.trpro.2016.05.457 |doi-access=free}}</ref> and Safety Information Toolkit for Analysis and Reporting.

Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=36|title=How the FAA and Airlines Sleuth for Safety|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327223404/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/stories/?slide=36|archive-date=2015-03-27|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=18195|title=Fact Sheet – Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing Program|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221210813/http://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=18195|archive-date=2015-02-21|url-status=dead}}</ref> provides a platform for improvements to the safety performance measurement infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/snapshots/portfolios/?portfolioId=17|title=NextGen Portfolio - System Safety Management|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502095913/https://www.faa.gov/NextGen/snapshots/portfolios/?portfolioId=17|archive-date=2017-05-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> More than 260 stakeholders organizations provide data for analysis, including 45 airlines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome - Welcome |url=https://portal.asias.aero/home |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=portal.asias.aero}}</ref> ASIAS has grown to involve other operators since its charter in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCollum |first=Marlis |date=January 9, 2023 |title=Pioneering Partnership Celebrates 15 Years of Advancing Aviation Safety |url=https://www.mitre.org/news-insights/impact-story/pioneering-partnership-celebrates-15-years-advancing-aviation-safety |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=MITRE |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201160111/https://www.mitre.org/news-insights/impact-story/pioneering-partnership-celebrates-15-years-advancing-aviation-safety |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Commercial Aviation Safety Team|Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST)]], composed of airlines, manufacturers, industry association regulators, labor unions, and air traffic controllers, helped reduce the fatality risk for commercial aviation in the United States by 83 percent from 1998 to 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 3, 2021 |title=Commercial Aviation Safety Team |url=https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/commercial-aviation-safety-team |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref> With the help of these new initiatives, the team's latest goal is to further lower the U.S. commercial fatality risk by 50 percent from 2010 to 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 20, 2024 |title=The Commercial Safety Aviation Team |url=https://www.cast-safety.org/apex/f?p=102:1:10460841497316::NO::P1_X: |access-date=June 20, 2024 |website=The Commercial Safety Aviation Team}}</ref> The CAST plan comprises 96 enhancements aimed at improving safety across a wide variety of operations.<ref name="auto1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=18178|title=Fact Sheet – Commercial Aviation Safety Team|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331050825/http://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=18178|archive-date=2015-03-31|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Stakeholder Collaboration ==
NextGen modernization involves the FAA workforce and industry, interagency, and international partnerships. The FAA continues to strengthen relationships with its workforce and labor union partners to ensure that everyone has the skills necessary to run the future National Airspace System (NAS).<ref name="auto13">{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/collaboration/workforce_engagement/|title=NextGen Update 2017 Workforce Engagement|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313113508/http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/collaboration/workforce_engagement/|archive-date=2015-03-13|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.natca.org/index.php/insider-articles/1708-feb-24-2017-natca-praises-collaborative-relationship-with-faa-progress-on-nextgen|title=NATCA Praises Collaborative Relationship With FAA, Progress on NextGen|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120124124/https://www.natca.org/index.php/insider-articles/1708-feb-24-2017-natca-praises-collaborative-relationship-with-faa-progress-on-nextgen|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Training will evolve to make sure that the NAS workforce understands — and takes ownership of — the changing operational concepts and their effects on how services are provided. Recurrent air traffic control training will need to evolve from a focus on automation manipulation to one that ensures all participants in the NAS understand the changing operational concepts and their implications for how services are provided. The process requires the engagement and ownership of the entire aviation workforce, including pilots, controllers, inspectors, regulators, engineers, technicians, and program managers. The FAA is focused on providing its labor force with the leadership, technical, and functional skills to safely and productively transition and manage the needs of the future NAS. This transformation includes leadership development, skills identification and development, and attracting talent.<ref name="auto7" /><ref name="auto13" />

Through the NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC), the FAA and industry have collaborated to identify and deliver the capabilities that matter most to customers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2013-09-20/nextgen-committee-recommends-modernization-priorities|title=NextGen Committee Recommends Modernization Priorities|first=Bill|last=Carey|website=Aviation International News|access-date=2021-09-18|archive-date=2021-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152218/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2013-09-20/nextgen-committee-recommends-modernization-priorities|url-status=live}}</ref> The FAA formed the NAC in 2010 to work with industry stakeholders, set priorities, and deliver benefits. Led by airline executives and others from the aviation community with an intimate understanding of shared challenges and opportunities, the NAC conducts its business in public so that deliberations and findings are transparent.

In 2014, the NAC developed a joint 3-year implementation plan for delivering new capabilities with near-term benefits to airports across the country. The process of developing and monitoring this plan provided all parties with a better understanding about planning decisions and has bolstered trust and cooperation among all parties. This collaborative plan, delivered to Congress in October 2014 and updated annually since then, outlines milestones for delivering benefits in a 1-  to 3-year timeframe. The first high-readiness capabilities were improvements in Data Communications, Performance Based Navigation, improved multiple runway operations, and surface operations. At the end of fiscal year 2017, the FAA had completed 157 commitments in these areas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aviationtoday.com/2014/06/05/the-four-new-priorities-of-nextgen/|title=The Four New Priorities of NextGen|date=5 June 2014|access-date=25 January 2018|archive-date=26 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126185102/http://www.aviationtoday.com/2014/06/05/the-four-new-priorities-of-nextgen/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/319040-a-missed-opportunity-for-the-aviation-community/|title=A missed opportunity for the aviation community|date=13 February 2017|access-date=16 April 2024|archive-date=14 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914191133/https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/319040-a-missed-opportunity-for-the-aviation-community/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gcn.com/articles/2017/03/20/faa-data-comm.aspx|title=NextGen expands digital communications between pilots, tower|first1=Mark|last1=Rockwell|date=March 20, 2017|website=GCN|access-date=September 18, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152219/https://gcn.com/articles/2017/03/20/faa-data-comm.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fcw.com/articles/2017/02/08/airspace-integration-tech.aspx|title=Airspace integration takes more than tech|first1=Mark|last1=Rockwell|date=February 8, 2017|website=FCW|access-date=January 19, 2018|archive-date=January 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065837/https://fcw.com/articles/2017/02/08/airspace-integration-tech.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> A fifth focus area, Northeast Corridor, was established in 2017 to improve operations in the airspace between Washington, D.C. and Boston. Commitments for all focus areas are found in the 2019-2021 joint implementation plan.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 2019|title=NextGen Advisory Committee NextGen Priorities Joint Implementation Plan CY2019-2021|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/library/media/NACRecommendationNIWGRollingPlanReport2019-2021.pdf|website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref> From January 2019 through March 2020, the FAA completed 87 out of 88 commitments.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 2020|title=NextGen Advisory Committee NextGen Priorities Joint Implementation Plan CY2019-2021 Update|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/library/media/NACNextGenPrioritiesJointImplementationPlanCY2019-2021_Update.pdf|website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref> Remaining milestone dates were extended past 2022 because of program delays related to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].

Besides the NAC, the Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee, established in 2018 as the Drone Advisory Committee, and the Research, Engineering, and Development Advisory Committee also bring federal involvement in airspace modernization. Beyond federal advisory committees, the FAA has partnerships with universities and industry through [[Community of interest|communities of interest]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2022 |title=FAA Air Transportation Centers of Excellence |url=https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/grants/coe |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=FAA |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201201547/https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/grants/coe |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[federally funded research and development centers]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 1, 2024 |title=Center for Advanced Aviation System Development |url=https://www.mitre.org/our-impact/rd-centers/center-advanced-aviation-system-development |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=MITRE |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201201547/https://www.mitre.org/our-impact/rd-centers/center-advanced-aviation-system-development |url-status=live }}</ref>

The FAA established the Interagency Planning Office (IPO) in May 2014, and since then renamed the NextGen Stakeholder Advocacy and Outreach Branch, to coordinate actions across the federal government. The FAA works mainly with the [[United States Department of Transportation|Department of Transportation]], [[National Transportation Safety Board]], [[NASA|National Aeronautics and Space Administration]], [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]], [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Department of Homeland Security]], [[United States Department of the Interior|Department of the Interior]], [[United States Department of Commerce|Department of Commerce]], and [[Advisory Council on Historic Preservation]] to share information and coordinate policy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article85847427.html|title=Charlotte airport to get new system to reduce tarmac wait times next year|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070448/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article85847427.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.airtrafficmanagement.net/2015/06/nasa-faa-collaboration-spawns-tsas-tool/|title=NASA, FAA collaboration spawns TSAS tool|date=13 November 2023|access-date=19 January 2018|archive-date=12 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812235623/http://www.airtrafficmanagement.net/2015/06/nasa-faa-collaboration-spawns-tsas-tool/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Multifunction_Phase_Array_Radar_(MPAR)_999.html|title=Multifunction Phase Array Radar (MPAR)|website=Space Daily|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2016-06-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601123226/http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Multifunction_Phase_Array_Radar_(MPAR)_999.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Aviation cybersecurity, unmanned aircraft systems, and NextGen weather are some of the focus areas.

Engaging with the international aviation community through partnerships and regulatory harmonization is the foundation of the FAA's global leadership initiative.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aviationtoday.com/2015/06/08/rtca-2015-global-harmonization-through-industry-collaboration/|title=RTCA 2015: Global Harmonization Through Industry Collaboration|date=8 June 2015|access-date=19 January 2018|archive-date=20 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065928/http://www.aviationtoday.com/2015/06/08/rtca-2015-global-harmonization-through-industry-collaboration/|url-status=live}}</ref> The NextGen International Branch focuses on coordinating and sharing information with global partners.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12278254/faa-administrator-focuses-on-the-caribbean|title=StackPath|website=www.aviationpros.com|date=10 November 2016|access-date=19 January 2018|archive-date=20 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070411/http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12278254/faa-administrator-focuses-on-the-caribbean|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12321177/faa-and-brazil-strengthen-aviation-partnership|title=StackPath|website=www.aviationpros.com|date=30 March 2017|access-date=19 January 2018|archive-date=20 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070444/http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12321177/faa-and-brazil-strengthen-aviation-partnership|url-status=live}}</ref> Its ultimate goal is to support smooth interoperability and harmonization and to provide a mechanism to make air traffic management systems safer and more efficient for air navigation service providers and airspace users. The FAA has international agreements with the [[European Union]], [[Japan]], and [[Singapore]] for joint research and development of future air traffic systems. The NextGen International Branch also participates with the [[United States Trade and Development Agency|U.S. Trade Development Agency]] and Department of Commerce on their agreements with [[China]], [[Brazil]], and [[Indonesia]].

In 2023, the FAA, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, [[Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore]], [[Japan Civil Aviation Bureau]], and Boeing signed a declaration of intent on multi-regional trajectory-based operations (MR TBO), showing a commitment to realize TBO around the world. The FAA and its MR TBO partners also completed six-day live flight demonstration of MR TBO. This new way of managing airspace could lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions by as much as 10 percent.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Editor |first1=Kerry Lynch • |last2=magazine |first2=AIN monthly |title=FAA Calls Multinational Flight Demo of Trajectory Based Operations a Success {{!}} AIN |url=http://backend.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2023-06-30/faa-calls-trajectory-based-flight-demo-success |access-date=2024-02-01 |website=Aviation International News |date=30 June 2023 |archive-date=2024-02-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201201548/https://backend.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2023-06-30/faa-calls-trajectory-based-flight-demo-success |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Accommodating Other Operations ==
The Vision 100—Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act in 2003 included the idea that all forms of aviation would be adapted into National Airspace System (NAS) modernization.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Wells |date=December 2012 |title=Unmanned at Any Speed: Bringing Drones into Our National Airspace |url=https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/1214_drones_bennett.pdf |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=The Brookings Institution |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405174949/https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/1214_drones_bennett.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> As growth of non-traditional forms of aviation has soared since then, the FAA has moved to accommodate new operators by developing traffic management concepts and evaluating technologies to safely incorporate unmanned aircraft systems, spacecraft, and other emerging aircraft into the NAS without disrupting existing traffic.

=== Unmanned Aircraft Systems ===
An [[unmanned aerial vehicle]], commonly known as a drone, is flown by a pilot on the ground or autonomously. An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) includes the equipment—for example communications links to control the aircraft—necessary to safely and efficiently operate the aircraft. Unmanned aircraft are categorized into five groups by size, and they vary in takeoff weight, operating altitude, and speed. They have a variety of [[List of unmanned aerial vehicle applications|applications]], including cargo and passenger transportation.

The FAA develops policies, procedures, and rulemaking with stakeholders to enable safe UAS operation. From the first FAA-issued airworthiness certificate for a civil unmanned aircraft in 2005 to the more recent accomplishment of approving commercial drone flights without visual observers in the Dallas-area airspace in 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Ishveena |date=2024-07-30 |title=Zipline, Wing enter new drone delivery era with historic FAA waiver |url=https://dronedj.com/2024/07/30/zipline-wing-drone-delivery-dallas/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=DroneDJ |language=en-US}}</ref> the FAA reached different milestones toward integrating UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS) as the industry matured.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Timeline of Drone Integration {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/timeline |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173226/https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/timeline |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2013, the agency published the first edition of the Integration of Civil Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the National Airspace System Roadmap<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2, 2023 |title=Integration of Civil Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System (NAS) Roadmap Third Edition 2020 |url=https://www.tamucc.edu/lone-star-uas/assets/documents/2019-uas-civil-integration-roadmap-third-edition.pdf |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=Texas A&M University Corpus Christi |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206034326/https://www.tamucc.edu/lone-star-uas/assets/documents/2019-uas-civil-integration-roadmap-third-edition.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> and approved UAS operations over people.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Operations Over People General Overview {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/operations_over_people |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173233/https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/operations_over_people |url-status=live }}</ref> The same year, the FAA announced the selection of these six public entities to develop UAS research and test sites: University of Alaska, State of Nevada, Griffiss International Airport in New York, North Dakota Department of Commerce, Texas A&M University, and Virginia Tech.<ref name="faa.gov">{{Cite web |title=NextGen Background {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/background |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173233/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/background |url-status=live }}</ref> Another FAA document to address accommodating the continuous growth in the scope of the NAS is the UAS Traffic Management Concept of Operations, which was first published in 2018 and updated in 2020.<ref name="faa.gov"/>   

The Drone Advisory Committee, later renamed the Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee, was established in 2018 to improve the safety and efficiency of integrating advanced aviation technologies into the NAS.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/uas/programs_partnerships/advanced_aviation_advisory_committee |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173225/https://www.faa.gov/uas/programs_partnerships/advanced_aviation_advisory_committee |url-status=live }}</ref> It includes a range of aviation community stakeholders who provide independent advice and recommendations to the Department of Transportation and the FAA, and respond to FAA tasks.

=== Advanced Air Mobility ===
[[Advanced Air Mobility|Advanced air mobility]] (AAM) is another non-traditional sector of the aerospace industry gaining momentum. In 2021, investment in AAM set a record at more than $7 billion. The market size was nearly $8 billion in 2022 may grow at a compounded annual rate of 24.6 percent from 2023 to 2035.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bellamy III |first=Woodrow |date=2022-10-26 |title=Opinion: Advanced Air Mobility in Commercial Aviation May be in Start-Up Mode Now, But The Future Awaits |url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2022/10/26/opinion-advanced-air-mobility-commercial-aviation-may-start-mode-now-future-awaits/ |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=Avionics International |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173233/https://www.aviationtoday.com/2022/10/26/opinion-advanced-air-mobility-commercial-aviation-may-start-mode-now-future-awaits/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Advanced Air Mobility Market Size & Share Report, 2035 |url=https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/advanced-air-mobility-aam-market-report#:~:text=air%20mobility%20market?-,The%20global%20advanced%20air%20mobility%20market%20size%20was%20estimated%20at,USD%209.76%20billion%20in%202023. |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=www.grandviewresearch.com |language=en}}</ref> 

AAM is intended to safely and efficiently integrate highly or fully automated new aircraft into the NAS and the aviation ecosystem with or without a pilot aboard while cruising at altitudes between 2,000 and 5,000 feet mean sea level.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Blair |date=2019-09-05 |title=NASA X Urban Air Mobility |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mediacast/nasa-x-urban-air-mobility |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=NASA |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173230/https://www.nasa.gov/mediacast/nasa-x-urban-air-mobility/ |url-status=live }}</ref> These aircraft may fly people and cargo between places with limited or no air transportation service in urban, suburban, and regional areas. The FAA is in charge of certifying new technologies and aircraft being developed by industry along with pilots who fly them.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |title=Advanced Air Mobility {{!}} Air Taxis |url=https://www.faa.gov/air-taxis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173228/https://www.faa.gov/air-taxis |archive-date=2023-03-02 |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Evers |first=Andrew |date=January 24, 2023 |title=How these new electric aircraft could disrupt the $49 billion helicopter industry |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/24/how-evtols-could-disrupt-the-49-billion-helicopter-industry.html |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=CNBC |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173233/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/24/how-evtols-could-disrupt-the-49-billion-helicopter-industry.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Infrastructure for takeoff and landing, types of NAS operations, and community engagement are other facets of FAA involvement.

[[Urban Air Mobility|Urban air mobility]] (UAM) is a category of AAM that covers mainly electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft serving in roles such as air taxis, air ambulances, and delivery vehicles of small goods in and around cities. Battery-powered motors in UAM aircraft can provide these services without the fuel consumption, exhaust emissions, and noise of turbine or piston engines in rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Urban Air Mobility and Advanced Air Mobility {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/urban_air_mobility |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301045321/https://www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/urban_air_mobility |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-18 |title=Taxi Drones – The Future Of Urban Air Mobility - Drone news and reviews |url=https://yourdronereviews.com/taxi-drones |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=yourdronereviews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-05-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510075920/https://yourdronereviews.com/taxi-drones |url-status=live }}</ref>

The FAA published its first UAM Concept of Operations in 2020 and issued an update in 2023.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Weitering |first=Hanneke |date=May 10, 2023 |title=FAA Issues Revised Concept of Operations for Urban Air Mobility |url=https://www.futureflight.aero/news-brief/2023-05-09/faa-issues-revised-concept-operations-urban-air-mobility |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=FutureFlight |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-06-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607164633/https://www.futureflight.aero/news-brief/2023-05-09/faa-issues-revised-concept-operations-urban-air-mobility |url-status=live }}</ref> The agency completed the initial conceptual systems architecture, technical evaluation plan, and operational variation analysis report in 2022. In 2023, the FAA signed an agreement with AFWERX, a part of the U.S. Air Force, in an effort to safely integrate AAM aircraft into the NAS.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Phelps |first=Mark |date=2023-10-27 |title=FAA Teams With USAF On Unmanned Aircraft Infrastructure Research |url=https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-teams-with-usaf-on-unmanned-aircraft-infrastructure-research/ |access-date=2024-02-01 |website=AVweb |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-02-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201230249/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-teams-with-usaf-on-unmanned-aircraft-infrastructure-research/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2022, the FAA set rules that will govern AAM operations.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> The agency issued a rule in October 2024 for the training and qualifications required for flight instructors and pilots to fly a new category of civil aircraft known as powered lift, which will accommodate AAM operations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Charlotte |date=2024-10-23 |title=FAA reveals first new civil aircraft category since 1940s |url=https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/faa-reveals-first-new-civil-aircraft-category-since-1940s/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=AGN |language=en-en}}</ref>

The first eVTOL commercial operations in the United States are scheduled to begin in Florida in 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-09 |title=Miami Planned Air Taxi Would Be a U.S. First |url=https://www.governing.com/transportation/miami-planned-air-taxi-would-be-a-u-s-first |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=Governing |language=en}}</ref>

=== Operating Environments ===
The UAS and AAM industries want to operate with remote pilots or no pilots through greater degrees of autonomy as the industries mature, and the FAA will evaluate these types of aircraft and related technologies. The FAA plans to enable more complex operations involving drones and AAM aircraft.

The integration of UAS into the NAS is evolving to where the pilot no longer must keep the aircraft within sight, which opens up the potential for remotely piloted operations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hamblen |first=Matt |date=February 23, 2022 |title=FAA to begin field-tests of drones flying beyond line of sight |url=https://www.fierceelectronics.com/electronics/faa-begin-field-tests-drones-flying-beyond-line-sight |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=Fierce Electronics |archive-date=May 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510080226/https://www.fierceelectronics.com/electronics/faa-begin-field-tests-drones-flying-beyond-line-sight |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 10, 2022 |title=Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight Aviation Rulemaking Committee Final Report |url=https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/committees/documents/media/UAS_BVLOS_ARC_FINAL_REPORT_03102022.pdf |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220085547/https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/committees/documents/media/UAS_BVLOS_ARC_FINAL_REPORT_03102022.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The FAA evaluated beyond visual line of sight operations for various drones heavier than 55 pounds flying above 400 feet and approved flight beyond visual line of sight for three companies in 2023, which opened new opportunities to drone operators as their aircraft can travel longer distances.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Daleo |first=Jack |date=2023-09-06 |title=FAA Approves Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations for 3 UAS Firms |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/faa-approves-beyond-visual-line-of-sight-operations-for-3-uas-firms/ |access-date=2024-02-01 |website=FLYING Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-02-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201224903/https://www.flyingmag.com/faa-approves-beyond-visual-line-of-sight-operations-for-3-uas-firms/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Live-flight demonstrations will help to inform stakeholders on needs for communication, navigation, and surveillance services among users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Webb |first=Andrew |date=2023-04-19 |title=FAA conducts drone tests with Virginia Tech |url=https://www.wdbj7.com/2023/04/19/faa-testing-drones-with-virginia-tech/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=www.wdbj7.com |language=en |archive-date=2024-05-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510080211/https://www.wdbj7.com/2023/04/19/faa-testing-drones-with-virginia-tech/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The FAA is developing a traffic management system using third-party suppliers of services for UAS, AAM, and aircraft in upper airspace to complement conventional FAA air traffic services. The goal is to have a fully integrated information environment throughout the NAS.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Extensible Traffic Management (xTM) {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/headquartersoffices/ang/extensible-traffic-management-xtm |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173233/https://www.faa.gov/headquartersoffices/ang/extensible-traffic-management-xtm |url-status=live }}</ref> How non-traditional aircraft operations are managed generally depends on how high they fly.

==== Ground level to 400 feet ====
Drones in airspace up to 400 feet above ground level can operate under UAS traffic management (UTM), where they meet established performance requirements and cooperatively separate through shared situational awareness. Crop monitoring, firefighting support, and short-distance package delivery are examples of the operations that could occur in this airspace not served by traditional air traffic services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/uas/research_development/traffic_management |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306144026/https://www.faa.gov/uas/research_development/traffic_management |url-status=live }}</ref>

The FAA UTM integrated capabilities program establishes the concepts, requirements, and use cases associated with UTM and the flight information management system (FIMS) to safely manage UAS operations. This system works primarily through operator-to-operator and operator-to-FAA sharing of flight intent and airspace constraints.

FIMS provides the FAA with access to UTM data.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UTM Pilot Program (UPP) {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/uas/research_development/traffic_management/utm_pilot_program |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173231/https://www.faa.gov/uas/research_development/traffic_management/utm_pilot_program |url-status=live }}</ref> It will support the increasing pace of UAS access to airspace and will eliminate the need for waivers. The program will also continue to develop ongoing standards to expand collision avoidance research and requirements for a new category of users in the UTM environment to ensure future systems interoperate within the NAS.

The FAA, NASA, and their partners demonstrated in 2019 how this kind of system can work in the future in a pilot program to form the foundation for a UAS traffic management system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FAA, UAS Partners Complete Successful Demos {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-uas-partners-complete-successful-demos?newsId=94507 |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173236/https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-uas-partners-complete-successful-demos?newsId=94507 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Up to 60,000 feet ====
In airspace up to 60,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), UAS receive traditional air traffic services where required. Up to 18,000 feet MSL, operators observe a mix of visual and instrument flight rules. Examples of uses in this airspace include emergency monitoring and inspection. At and above 18,000 feet MSL, UAS operations such as large cargo delivery, border security, and weather monitoring operate only under instrument flight rules. The FAA analyzed UAS flights in controlled airspace and learned that it can manage the demand using existing automation.

==== Above 60,000 feet ====
Aircraft flying above 60,000 feet MSL cooperatively separate through shared situational awareness. [[Air navigation service provider]] coordination is limited for these flights, some of which may be long endurance operations supporting internet services or research.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Upper Class E Traffic Management (ETM) {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/upper_class_etm |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173229/https://www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/upper_class_etm |url-status=live }}</ref> Airships and hypersonic aircraft are examples of what could occupy these altitudes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Higher-Airspace Operations Garner Renewed Attention {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/higher-airspace-operations-garner-renewed-attention |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=aviationweek.com |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173233/https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/higher-airspace-operations-garner-renewed-attention |url-status=live }}</ref>

Flights at these altitudes have been few because traditional aircraft are not designed to ascend that high. With the anticipated increase in demand for manned and unmanned upper airspace operations, the FAA developed a concept of operations for safe and efficient flight above 60,000 feet MSL. It describes operator flight planning, interaction with air traffic control, and contingency management.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2020 |title=Concept of Operations V1.0 Upper Class E Traffic Management |url=https://nari.arc.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/ETM_ConOps_V1.0.pdf |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=NASA Aeronautics Research Institute |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173231/https://nari.arc.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/ETM_ConOps_V1.0.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Technologies and Capabilities ===
The FAA is working in various ways to help integrate unmanned aircraft into the National Airspace System.

==== DroneZone ====
[[File:Faa-logo-dz.svg|thumb|FAADroneZone Logo.]]
DroneZone is the official FAA website for managing drone services, including small unmanned UAS registration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FAADroneZone |url=https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/#/ |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=faadronezone-access.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-02-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226045718/https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/#/ |url-status=live }}</ref> DroneZone supports the collection and processing of airspace authorizations and waivers, operational waivers, and accident reporting. It is a starting point for drone pilots with various resources to ensure the responsible use of drones.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-18 |title=The FAA Drone Zone: Empowering Safe and responsible drone operations |url=https://www.suasnews.com/2023/06/the-faa-drone-zone-empowering-safe-and-responsible-drone-operations/ |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=sUAS News - The Business of Drones |language=en-GB}}</ref> The FAA expects to develop other products and enhance the website, such as by providing a single access point for all DroneZone modules used by the UAS community.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sensiba |first=Jennifer |date=2022-08-09 |title=FAA Drone Zone Website Gets Makeover |url=https://cleantechnica.com/2022/08/09/faa-drone-zone-website-gets-makeover/ |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=CleanTechnica |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302184000/https://cleantechnica.com/2022/08/09/faa-drone-zone-website-gets-makeover/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Low Altitude Authorization and Notification ====
As a form of UAS data exchange, the FAA created the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), which automates how the FAA approves recreational pilots to fly small UAS in controlled airspace.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UAS Data Exchange (LAANC) {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/laanc |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173229/https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/laanc |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:LAANC Logo.svg|thumb|LAANC Logo]]
First operated as a prototype in 2017, LAANC simplifies and expands access to controlled airspace at or below 400 feet, increases awareness of where drone pilots can fly, and informs air traffic controllers of where and when drones are operating. In 2022, the FAA issued its millionth authorization to drone pilots.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crumley |first=Bruce |date=2022-02-07 |title=FAA issues its millionth LAANC authorization to drone pilots |url=https://dronedj.com/2022/02/07/faa-issues-its-millionth-laanc-authorization-to-drone-pilots/ |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=DroneDJ |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302183951/https://dronedj.com/2022/02/07/faa-issues-its-millionth-laanc-authorization-to-drone-pilots/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The FAA established altitudes at and below which UAS may be granted automatic authorization. LAANC allows the FAA and FAA-approved companies to share data about airspace restrictions and pilot requests. The companies are known as UAS service suppliers, and they develop desktop and mobile applications to provide LAANC access for drone pilots.

The FAA introduces capabilities annually. As requirements and operating rules develop, the FAA will deploy updates to enhance operations. A common logging and monitoring service for LAANC deployed in 2022. To maintain continuity of services, the FAA migrated the DroneZone and LAANC platforms to the FAA Cloud Services ecosystem through the UAS Ecosystem Capabilities program in 2023. In 2024, the FAA continued expansion of Department of Defense access, B4UFLY implementation, and software enhancements. The FAA anticipates introducing new capabilities annually.

==== Airborne Collision Avoidance System ====
The [[Airborne collision avoidance system|Airborne Collision Avoidance System X]] (ACAS X) has the flexibility to be used for new classes of users. It can reduce unnecessary alerts, select alternative surveillance sources, and enable airspace procedures and operations in the future.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Airborne Collision Avoidance System X {{!}} MIT Lincoln Laboratory |url=https://www.ll.mit.edu/r-d/projects/airborne-collision-avoidance-system-x |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.ll.mit.edu |language=en |archive-date=2024-05-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510080017/https://www.ll.mit.edu/r-d/projects/airborne-collision-avoidance-system-x |url-status=live }}</ref> The ACAS program is divided into different subsets for multiple types of aircraft, including ACAS sXu for small UAS and ACAS Xr for [[rotorcraft]].

ACAS sXu is a modular, tunable, and scalable technology to detect and avoid traffic. ACAS Xr extends the collision avoidance system capability with an optimized alerting logic that accounts for the unique flight characteristics of rotorcraft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sagetech Avionics demonstrates true Detect and Avoid |url=https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/sagetech-avionics-demonstrates-true-detect-and-avoid/ |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=Vertical Mag |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302183958/https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/sagetech-avionics-demonstrates-true-detect-and-avoid/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The FAA will work with [[RTCA, Incorporated|RTCA]] to develop minimum operational performance standards for both versions.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Butterworth-Hayes |first1=Philip |last2=Beechener |first2=Jenny |date=2021-01-06 |title=Standards bodies ASTM and RTCA collaborate on 'ACAS sXu' detect and avoid capability for drones |url=https://www.unmannedairspace.info/emerging-regulations/standards-bodies-astm-and-rtca-collaborate-on-acas-sxu-detect-and-avoid-capability-for-drones/ |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=Unmanned airspace |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302183952/https://www.unmannedairspace.info/emerging-regulations/standards-bodies-astm-and-rtca-collaborate-on-acas-sxu-detect-and-avoid-capability-for-drones/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-05 |title=The New ACAS Xu MOPS DO-386: Key Takeaways |url=https://www.suasnews.com/2021/01/the-new-acas-xu-mops-do-386-key-takeaways/ |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=sUAS News - The Business of Drones |language=en-gb |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302184000/https://www.suasnews.com/2021/01/the-new-acas-xu-mops-do-386-key-takeaways/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The standards for ACAS sXu were completed in 2023 and are planned to be finished for ACAS Xr in 2025. These standards enable companies to start adopting the technology on their aircraft.

==== Remote Identification ====
The Remote Identification rule requires most drones operating in U.S. airspace to have a remote identification capability and transmit information such as the drone's location and control station or takeoff location by March 16, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=America Now Requires Drone Manufacturers to Include 'Remote ID' Transmitting - Slashdot |url=https://tech.slashdot.org/story/22/12/18/0241255/america-now-requires-drone-manufacturers-to-include-remote-id-transmitting |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=tech.slashdot.org |date=17 December 2022 |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302183951/https://tech.slashdot.org/story/22/12/18/0241255/america-now-requires-drone-manufacturers-to-include-remote-id-transmitting |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2023 |title=FAA Extends Remote ID Enforcement Date Six Months |url=https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-extends-remote-id-enforcement-date-six-months#:~:text=Drone%20pilots%20who%20are%20unable,or%20revocation%20of%20pilot%20certificates. |access-date=September 14, 2023 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913174338/https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-extends-remote-id-enforcement-date-six-months#:~:text=Drone%20pilots%20who%20are%20unable,or%20revocation%20of%20pilot%20certificates. |url-status=live }}</ref> Remote ID helps the FAA, other federal agencies, and law enforcement agencies to find the control station when a drone appears to be flying unsafely or is where it is not allowed to fly.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UAS Remote Identification {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302173231/https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id |url-status=live }}</ref>

Remote identification of drones enables the safety and security needed for more complex drone operations. The FAA's supporting services for Remote ID follow a model of data exchange with internal users and other government agencies similar to LAANC called DISCVR,  or Drone Information for Safety, Compliance, Verification, and Reporting.

DISCVR will provide capabilities to receive, correlate, retrieve, and distribute timely, comprehensive UAS information to authorized FAA staff and federal security partners using Remote ID information. Supporting services include user authentication and authorization, service logging and monitoring, and geospatial data management.

A U.S. Government Accountability Office report has indicated that the capability is not at its full potential as law enforcement agencies are unaware of it and how it could help them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quinlan |first=Keely |date=2024-06-06 |title=For unauthorized drone investigations, law enforcement needs help with 'remote ID,' GAO says |url=https://statescoop.com/law-enforcement-faa-gao-drone-remote-id/ |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=StateScoop |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Space Operations ===
Space operations continue to increase. In 2024, the FAA safely managed 142 commercially licensed space launches and six reentries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commercial Space Data |url=https://www.faa.gov/data_research/commercial_space_data/ |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |language=en-us |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302183950/https://www.faa.gov/data_research/commercial_space_data/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The FAA is pursuing ways to improve management of space operations to meet their current and projected increase.

To ensure safety and security during [[Commercial use of space|commercial space]] operations, the FAA blocks airspace for extended periods of time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Airspace Integration {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/space/airspace_integration |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302183958/https://www.faa.gov/space/airspace_integration |url-status=live }}</ref> With 14 FAA-licensed commercial spaceports located across the country, complicated restrictions affect an increasing number of NAS users.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Licenses |url=https://www.faa.gov/data_research/commercial_space_data/licenses/#operatorLicenses |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |language=en-us |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302183953/https://www.faa.gov/data_research/commercial_space_data/licenses/#operatorLicenses |url-status=live }}</ref> The FAA objective is to safely maximize airspace availability to support space operations while minimizing negative effects on other NAS stakeholders.

==== Space Data Integrator ====
The FAA is incorporating the Space Data Integrator (SDI), which is an automated tool that delivers spacecraft-related telemetry information to the FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Space Data Integrator (SDI) {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/space-data-integrator-sdi-0 |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302183951/https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/space-data-integrator-sdi-0 |url-status=live }}</ref> The FAA deployed an SDI operational prototype to monitor launch and reentry vehicle location and status in near real time. SDI automatically transfers data to the Traffic Flow Management System, an FAA decision support system.

The prototype is expected to increase overall air traffic management efficiency and safety through awareness of an operator's spacecraft location, trajectory, potential or actual debris, and return to Earth, while reducing manual work during space operations.

The SDI can shorten the length of airspace closures in half, from an average of more than four hours per launch to more than two hours. Reducing airspace closures will reduce reroutes that cause flight delays and increase fuel consumption.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FAA Activates System to Track Space Launch, Reentry Vehicles {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |url=https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-activates-system-track-space-launch-reentry-vehicles |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.faa.gov |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302183954/https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-activates-system-track-space-launch-reentry-vehicles |url-status=live }}</ref> The use of SDI is expected to rise as partnerships with commercial space operators grow. As of 2024, the FAA receives space vehicle launch and reentry flight data from three companies through the SDI.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Jane |date=2024-06-10 |title=FAA Adds Sierra Space, Virgin Galactic to Space Launch & Reentry Tracking Tool; Timothy Arel Quoted |url=https://executivegov.com/2024/06/faa-adds-sierra-space-virgin-galactic-to-space-launch-and-reentry-tracking-tool-timothy-arel-quoted/ |access-date=2024-06-20 |language=en-US}}</ref> Under the current schedule, implementation of the final tool will be completed in 2032.<ref>{{Cite web |last=rheilweil |date=2023-12-14 |title=The FAA is developing an air traffic tool built for the space age. It may need help |url=https://fedscoop.com/faa-space-data-integrator-program-air-traffic-control/ |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=FedScoop |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202204025/https://fedscoop.com/faa-space-data-integrator-program-air-traffic-control/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Hazard Risk and Management Software ====
In an effort similar to SDI, the FAA Space Integration Capabilities Hazard Volume project will help customize and minimize airspace restrictions during space operations. The FAA will be able to manage the airspace more dynamically, resulting in less airspace blocked off before and during launch and reentry, and reduce the duration of closed airspace to other NAS users as the mission progresses.

An FAA-led team demonstrated a public-private approach to space integration that leverages dynamically generated hazard areas. In 2021, SpaceX participated with the FAA in the interest of public safety. The company agreed to use a prototype hazard risk and management software to generate debris hazard volumes using live data during an in-flight abort launch mission from the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |title=SpaceX reschedules crew capsule in-flight abort test for Jan. 18 |website=Spaceflight Now |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/01/07/spacex-reschedules-crew-capsule-in-flight-abort-test-for-jan-18/ |access-date=2023-03-02 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302183951/https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/01/07/spacex-reschedules-crew-capsule-in-flight-abort-test-for-jan-18/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

An En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system at the Florida NextGen Test Bed received and displayed the hazard volumes SpaceX produced using the software. The demonstration showed that the FAA has a viable way to safely and efficiently integrate space vehicle operations into the NAS while satisfying the needs of other stakeholders and users, such as airlines.

New real-time hazard area generation technology would cut down the time it takes for debris hazard volumes to be produced and distributed from 15 to 20 minutes to less than 5 minutes. Controllers and traffic managers would have much more time to reroute and notify affected aircraft if a spacecraft malfunctions, greatly reducing the risk of a casualty from falling debris. A concept of use was developed in 2024. The technology will be demonstrated at the Florida NextGen Test Bed in Daytona in 2025 on Advanced Technologies and Oceanic Procedures, ERAM, and Traffic Flow Management System to show how it could improve air traffic operations during expected and unplanned events.

==Challenges==
NextGen implementation is almost complete, and the FAA dealt with multiple issues along the way. In many cases, foundational systems are installed on aircraft as well as on the ground. The interoperability of air and ground systems, along with the need to synchronize equipage and other industry investments with FAA programs, has been a primary challenge. Standards, regulations, and procedures had to be developed. Program execution planning considered cost, schedule, and technical performance. Stakeholder acceptance and support are needed in areas such as equipage and using new capabilities. All involved — industry, federal agencies, government partners, and Congress — needed to be on the same path ahead.<ref name="auto18">{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/CNOReport2017.pdf|title=2017 Chief NextGen Officer report|access-date=2018-10-04|archive-date=2018-10-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005030839/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/media/CNOReport2017.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Funding ===
Government shutdowns, furloughs, sequestration, and the lack of a long-term reauthorization made planning and executing modernization efforts more difficult.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/news/speeches/news_story.cfm?newsId=21794|title=Collaboration Is Woven Into Our Fabric|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627232715/https://www.faa.gov/news/speeches/news_story.cfm?newsId=21794|archive-date=2017-06-27|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2019/01/04/faa-shutdown-already-delaying-datacomm-transition-en-route-airspace/|title=FAA Shutdown Already Delaying Data Comm Transition to En Route Airspace|date=January 4, 2019|work=Avionics International|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=September 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918202936/https://www.aviationtoday.com/2019/01/04/faa-shutdown-already-delaying-datacomm-transition-en-route-airspace/|url-status=live}}</ref> Inconsistent annual appropriations hurt long-term planning. A large, complex federal government agency and unpredictable appropriations were expected to, at best, only deliver sporadic and incremental change.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.transportation.gov/smarter-skies/faqs|title=Smarter Skies FAQ|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070423/https://www.transportation.gov/smarter-skies/faqs|url-status=dead}}</ref>

NextGen total cost estimates increased since fiscal year 2004. The FAA's 2016 business case estimate projected the agency's cost through 2030 at $20.6 billion, $5.8 billion already spent from 2007 to 2014 and a projected $14.8 billion from 2015 to 2030. This amount was $2.6 billion more than it anticipated in 2012 and within the range of the [[Joint Planning and Development Office]]'s 2007 cost estimate of $15 billion to $22 billion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-17-241r|title=Next Generation Air Transportation System: Information on Expenditures, Schedule, and Cost Estimates, Fiscal Years 2004 -- 2030|website=www.gao.gov|access-date=2021-09-18|archive-date=2021-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152228/https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-17-241r|url-status=live}}</ref> Using standard budget categories, the projected costs consisted of capital expenditures from the agency's facilities and equipment budget of $16 billion, research and other expenditures in the agency's research and development budget line of $1.5 billion, and operations expenses of $3.1 billion. 

The total equipage cost estimate for commercial aircraft from 2015 to 2030 was $4.9 billion, a decrease of $500 million as reported in the 2014 Business Case for NextGen. The equipage cost estimate for general aviation aircraft — jet, turboprop, and piston engine — through 2030 remained constant at $8.9 billion.<ref name="auto4" /> 

As of 2022, the U.S. government spent more than $14 billion on NextGen. The cost to the federal government and industry is expected to be at least $35 billion through 2030, which exceeds the FAA business case estimate of $34.4 billion for agency and avionics costs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Office |first=U. S. Government Accountability |date=2023-11-14 |title=Air Traffic Control Modernization: Program Management Improvements Could Help FAA Address NextGen Delays and Challenges {{!}} U.S. GAO |url=https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-105254 |access-date=2023-12-12 |website=www.gao.gov |language=en |archive-date=2023-12-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212212503/https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-105254 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Office of Inspector General for the Department of Transportation|Department of Transportation Inspector General]] was concerned with the FAA's practice of dividing its programs into multiple segments, and funding each segment for a set timeframe or number of milestones because it may mask the final costs.<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web|url=https://www.oig.dot.gov/library-item/33888|title=Audit Reports {{pipe}} Office of Inspector General {{pipe}} U.S. Department of Transportation|website=www.oig.dot.gov|access-date=2018-01-19|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120072225/https://www.oig.dot.gov/library-item/33888|url-status=live}}</ref> Another pressing factor is that the FAA is managing three "versions" of the National Airspace System: the legacy system, NextGen, and the modernization plan after NextGen. Being in that position strains resources as the demands for sustainment and modernization increase but funding remains the same.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 17, 2022 |title=Aero Club Luncheon Remarks |url=https://www.faa.gov/speeches/aero-club-luncheon-remarks |access-date=June 29, 2023 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629181340/https://www.faa.gov/speeches/aero-club-luncheon-remarks |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Equipage ===
To boost equipage, the FAA used a combination of rules where needed, such as with Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B), and incentives where beneficial, for example with Data Communications (Data Comm), to achieve equipage levels that supported the business case for the system under acquisition. Locations with a high mixed equipage environment create challenges for air traffic controllers to uniformly apply a NextGen improvement.

Through an FAA incentive and industry spending, the Data Comm program exceeded its goal of 1,900 domestic air carrier aircraft equipped by 2019. As of June 2024, more than 11,300 aircraft were equipped for tower service and 6,700 for en route services. No regional aircraft were equipped for Data Comm as of January 2023.  

As of September 2022, almost every air transport aircraft was equipped for area navigation operations and some required navigation performance (RNP) procedures, but equipage rates ranged from 78 to 88 percent for other types of RNP procedures. 

A total of 169,116 U.S. aircraft were properly equipped for ADS-B as of January 1, 2025, which is more than 70 percent of U.S. registered aircraft. About 60 percent of the aircraft are equipped with optional ADS-B In.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=October 6, 2022 |title=ADS-B Current Equipage Levels |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/equipadsb/installation/current_equipage_levels |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510075933/https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/equipadsb/installation/current_equipage_levels |archive-date=May 10, 2024 |access-date= |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2023 |title=AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL MODERNIZATION Program Management Improvements Could Help FAA Address NextGen Delays and Challenges |url=https://www.gao.gov/assets/d24105254.pdf |access-date=June 21, 2024 |website=U.S. Government Accountability Office}}</ref>

To achieve the full benefits of trajectory-based operations, users must equip with the required avionics, including Performance Based Navigation, Data Comm, and ADS-B In, and industry agrees on the value of equipping despite the costs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aviationtoday.com/2016/06/02/nac-updates-on-latest-benefits-challenges-for-nextgen-program/|title=NAC Updates on Latest Benefits, Challenges for NextGen Program|date=2 June 2016|access-date=19 January 2018|archive-date=20 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065913/http://www.aviationtoday.com/2016/06/02/nac-updates-on-latest-benefits-challenges-for-nextgen-program/|url-status=live}}</ref> The FAA and NextGen Advisory Committee partnered to create a minimum capability list that covers communications, navigation, surveillance, and resiliency. The list serves as a guide of recommended minimum aircraft capabilities and associated equipage needed to derive the maximum benefit from NextGen investments and operational improvements.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 2020|title=Minimum Capability List to Achieve Optimal NextGen Benefits|url=https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/nac/media/Minimum_Capability_List_to_Achieve_Optimal_NextGen_Benefits.pdf|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=2020-08-13|archive-date=2020-10-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028045821/https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/nac/media/Minimum_Capability_List_to_Achieve_Optimal_NextGen_Benefits.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Training ===
Implementing trajectory-based operations requires cultural changes among air traffic controllers and industry. Training and other human factors changes are necessary for air traffic controllers, pilots, traffic flow managers, and dispatchers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/may/22/air-traffic-control-system-desperately-needs-updat/|title=Air traffic control system desperately needs update, not upheaval|date=22 May 2017|access-date=19 January 2018|archive-date=20 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070758/https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/may/22/air-traffic-control-system-desperately-needs-updat/|url-status=live}}</ref> Industry need to work closely with the FAA as the agency moves to this new form of air traffic management. To maximize throughput, airlines and others have to agree that throughput and predictability are the primary metrics the FAA will use to judge the system's effectiveness. This could be different from, or even in some cases counter to, the traditional flight efficiency metrics used by airlines including reduced delay, reduced track miles, and reduced fuel burn.<ref name="auto18"/>

=== Operational integration ===
Operational integration of all air-ground capabilities is needed to achieve the full benefits of NextGen. Due to the integrated nature of NextGen, many of its component systems are mutually dependent on one or more other systems. For example, time-based management works best when aircraft can fly the appropriate navigation procedures. The FAA implements systems through segments that the stakeholder community agrees are useful and that balance costs and benefits. The FAA expects to complete implementation of all major planned systems by 2030 but not the full integration necessary to provide all anticipated NextGen benefits.<ref name="auto18"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2022 |title=Forming NextGen: From Vision to Reality |url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/background/forming |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228220140/https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/background/forming |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== New entrants ===
The FAA is pursuing ways to safely and efficiently integrate drones, advanced air mobility aircraft, commercial spacecraft, and other future aircraft into the National Airspace System (NAS) with minimal effect on other NAS users.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=America's Plan to Somehow Make Drones Not Ruin the Skies |url=https://www.wired.com/2017/05/americas-plan-somehow-make-drones-not-ruin-skies/ |magazine=Wired |access-date=2018-01-19 |archive-date=2018-01-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070026/https://www.wired.com/2017/05/americas-plan-somehow-make-drones-not-ruin-skies/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This effort involves determining the required automation support and security, as well as the communications, navigation, and surveillance capabilities that account for the unique performance characteristics of non-traditional aircraft. NextGen technologies are expected to facilitate this integration.<ref name="auto7"/>

=== Environmental effects ===
Communities around airports are concerned about noise. Performance Based Navigation (PBN) has created a concentrated path of flights in cities across the United States. The new paths often reduce the number of people exposed to noise, but those who experience noise hear it far more consistently.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/@bcastleton/nextgen-and-noise-pollution-the-faas-carte-blanche-to-send-planes-screaming-over-our-houses-dad4f3d4d29d|title=NextGen Nextgen and Noise Pollution the FAAs Carte Blanche to Send Planes Screaming Over Our Houses|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818142440/https://medium.com/@bcastleton/nextgen-and-noise-pollution-the-faas-carte-blanche-to-send-planes-screaming-over-our-houses-dad4f3d4d29d|archive-date=2019-08-18|url-status=dead|access-date=2019-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=New flight paths lead to airplane noise complaints across US|url=https://apnews.com/2c040a68d76a4ab5b7420c0681a860e8|access-date=2020-08-21|website=AP News|date=23 October 2017|archive-date=2020-06-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613074851/https://apnews.com/2c040a68d76a4ab5b7420c0681a860e8|url-status=live}}</ref> The effects of noise on health, well-being, and economic output are well-documented.<ref name="icben.org" /> Excessive exposure to noise can lead to learning difficulties in children,<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/abs/chronic-aircraft-noise-exposure-stress-responses-mental-health-and-cognitive-performance-in-school-children/0C77FCC4B56A8DB4E5506A13BF8536F5 | doi=10.1017/S0033291701003282 | title=Chronic aircraft noise exposure, stress responses, mental health and cognitive performance in school children | year=2001 | last1=Haines | first1=M. M. | last2=Stansfeld | first2=S. A. | last3=Job | first3=R. F. S. | last4=Berglund | first4=B. | last5=Head | first5=J. | journal=Psychological Medicine | volume=31 | issue=2 | pages=265–277 | pmid=11232914 | s2cid=41354272 | access-date=2022-06-10 | archive-date=2022-06-10 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610152002/https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/abs/chronic-aircraft-noise-exposure-stress-responses-mental-health-and-cognitive-performance-in-school-children/0C77FCC4B56A8DB4E5506A13BF8536F5 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kawada |first1=Tomoyuki |year=2004 |title=The Effect of Noise on the Health of Children |url=https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jnms/71/1/71_1_5/_article/-char/ja/ |journal=Journal of Nippon Medical School |volume=71 |issue=1 |pages=5–10 |doi=10.1272/jnms.71.5 |pmid=15129589 |doi-access=free |access-date=2022-06-10 |archive-date=2022-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610152937/https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jnms/71/1/71_1_5/_article/-char/ja/ |url-status=live }}</ref> decreased cardiovascular health,<ref>{{cite journal |date=April 2014 |title=Cardiovascular effects of environmental noise exposure |url=https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/35/13/829/634015?login=true |access-date=June 29, 2023 |journal=European Heart Journal |doi=10.1093/eurheartj/ehu030 |archive-date=September 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914191132/https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/35/13/829/634015?login=true |url-status=live |last1=Munzel |first1=T. |last2=Gori |first2=T. |last3=Babisch |first3=W. |last4=Basner |first4=M. |volume=35 |issue=13 |pages=829–836 |pmid=24616334 |pmc=3971384 }}</ref> and degraded quality of life.<ref name="icben.org">http://www.icben.org/2017/ICBEN%202017%20Papers/SubjectArea03_Schreckenberg_0326_3635.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=June 2022}}</ref>

Congress set up a coalition to study the noise issues.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nqsc.org/Organizations.html|title=National Quiet Skies Coalition|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818145007/https://nqsc.org/Organizations.html|archive-date=2019-08-18|url-status=dead|access-date=2019-08-18}}</ref> A [[Government Accountability Office]] report on environmental impacts at airports indicated that the changes in flight paths from NextGen would affect some communities that were previously unaffected or minimally affected by aircraft noise and expose them to increased noise levels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-10-50|title=Aviation and the Environment: Systematically Addressing Environmental Impacts and Community Concerns Can Help Airports Reduce Project Delays|website=www.gao.gov|access-date=2021-09-18|archive-date=2021-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152252/https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-10-50|url-status=live}}</ref> These levels could trigger the need for environmental reviews as well as raise community concerns. The report found that addressing environmental effects can delay the implementation of operational changes, and indicated that a systematic way of dealing with these effects and the resulting community concerns may help reduce such delays.

Regarding noise, the FAA renewed its focus to inform the community and solicit aviation user and citizen input when developing navigation procedures.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-aviation-faa-noise-idUKKBN0NT1VQ20150508|title=FAA plans major study of U.S. airport noise|newspaper=Reuters|date=8 May 2015|access-date=19 January 2018|archive-date=20 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120182059/https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-aviation-faa-noise-idUKKBN0NT1VQ20150508|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/noise_emissions/airport_aircraft_noise_issues/|title=Aircraft Noise Issues|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110122305/http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/noise_emissions/airport_aircraft_noise_issues/|archive-date=2012-01-10|url-status=dead}}</ref> The FAA has traditionally followed the [[National Environmental Policy Act]] (NEPA) process when designing and implementing procedures. However, more community involvement has been necessary, especially when flight paths are changed due to new PBN procedures. The FAA said it increased its public engagement to educate communities about how the agency develops procedures and measures noise and listened to residents' concerns.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 27, 2022 |title=FAA Community Engagement |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/community_engagement |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228220141/https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/community_engagement |url-status=live }}</ref> The FAA also works with airports, airlines, and community officials to determine how the agency can best balance the FAA's pursuit of safer, more efficient flight paths with the needs of nearby communities.<ref name="auto16" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/news/speeches/news_story.cfm?newsId=21014&omniRss=speechesAoc&cid=104_Speeches|title=ATCA Conference Keynote Address|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101231905/http://www.faa.gov/news/speeches/news_story.cfm?newsId=21014&omniRss=speechesAoc&cid=104_Speeches|archive-date=2016-11-01|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Cybersecurity ===
[[Computer security|Cybersecurity]] challenges the FAA in at least three areas: protecting air traffic control information systems, guarding aircraft avionics, and determining cybersecurity roles and responsibilities among multiple FAA offices.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-15-370|title=Air Traffic Control: FAA Needs a More Comprehensive Approach to Address Cybersecurity As Agency Transitions to NextGen|website=www.gao.gov|access-date=2021-09-18|archive-date=2021-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152241/https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-15-370|url-status=live}}</ref> The NextGen transition from point-to-point communications to an interconnected internet-based system could increase cyber risk.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2023 |title=Air Traffic Control Modernization: Program Management Improvements Could Help FAA Address NextGen Delays and Challenges |url=https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-105254 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=U.S. Government Accountability Office}}</ref> 

The FAA Stakeholder Collaboration Division participated in the Interagency Core Cyber Team (ICCT) led jointly by the FAA, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security to promote collaboration and federal government leadership in aviation cybersecurity. It applied partner agencies' cybersecurity expertise, technologies, and tools for shared benefit, and identified and assessed cybersecurity vulnerabilities in aviation and ways to reduce them.

The Interagency Planning Office, the predecessor to the Stakeholder Collaboration Division, also established two ICCT sub-teams — Cyber Exercises and Cyber R&D — to ensure interagency cybersecurity exercises and research yield the greatest benefits.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/update/collaboration/ipo/|title=NextGen Update Interagency Planning Agency|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107005738/https://www.faa.gov/NextGen/update/collaboration/ipo/|archive-date=2017-11-07|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cyber Guard exercises highlight the shortcomings in cybersecurity guidance and policy. To take on these deficits, the ICCT and IPO co-sponsored a survey of cyber guidance, policy, regulations, authorities, and more with the Department of Defense.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/803018/cyber-guard-2016-seeks-to-manage-complexity-in-invisible-domain/|title=Cyber Guard 2016 Seeks to Manage Complexity in Invisible Domain|website=U.S. Department of Defense|access-date=2021-09-18|archive-date=2021-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918152220/https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/803018/cyber-guard-2016-seeks-to-manage-complexity-in-invisible-domain/|url-status=live}}</ref> 

Another measure the FAA is adopting is a [[zero trust architecture]] to guard against cyberattacks for the issuers of digital identity credentials.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Jeffrey |date=2022-06-17 |title=The FAA Moves to Zero Trust Strategy for Preventing Cyber Attacks |url=https://www.satellitetoday.com/cybersecurity/2022/06/17/the-faa-moves-to-zero-trust-strategy-for-preventing-cyber-attacks/ |access-date=2024-02-01 |website=Via Satellite |language=en |archive-date=2024-02-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201211216/https://www.satellitetoday.com/cybersecurity/2022/06/17/the-faa-moves-to-zero-trust-strategy-for-preventing-cyber-attacks/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Pandemic ===
The FAA took steps to protect its workforce from and limit exposure to the novel coronavirus that causes [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]], including the use of maximum telework. Because implementation cannot entirely be accomplished remotely, the pandemic slowed the progress of NextGen.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite news |date=August 7, 2020 |title=Daily Memo: COVID-19 Slows The Progress Of FAA's NextGen Program |work=Aviation Week |url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/safety-ops-regulation/daily-memo-covid-19-slows-progress-faas-nextgen-program |access-date=August 11, 2020 |archive-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001121924/https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/safety-ops-regulation/daily-memo-covid-19-slows-progress-faas-nextgen-program |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Criticism==
The challenges of a large-scale NAS modernization effort are plenty, which leads to a fair share of criticism despite the best intentions of the FAA and other organizations involved in NextGen.

=== Noise ===
Performance Based Navigation (PBN) with GPS-based waypoints can reduce fuel burn, emissions, and noise exposure for a majority of communities. However, the consolidated flight paths of PBN can also increase noise exposure for people who live under them.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 December 2015 |title=NextGen Noise: RNP's concentrated IMPACT may justify substantive change in FAA policies under a proper study |url=http://jdasolutions.aero/blog/nextgen-noise-study/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065901/http://jdasolutions.aero/blog/nextgen-noise-study/ |archive-date=20 January 2018 |access-date=19 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FAA facing backlash over noise issues created by PBN flight paths |url=http://atwonline.com/air-traffic-management/faa-facing-backlash-over-noise-issues-created-pbn-flight-paths |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021124915/http://atwonline.com/air-traffic-management/faa-facing-backlash-over-noise-issues-created-pbn-flight-paths |archive-date=2016-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Advances in airport technology mean sleepless nights for some |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/advances-in-airport-technology-mean-sleepless-nights-for-some/2016/03/04/7b8eb936-e098-11e5-9c36-e1902f6b6571_story.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 April 2015 |title=A Closer Look at How FAA is 'Tone-Deaf' on NextGen Noise Impacts |url=http://aireform.com/a-closer-look-at-how-faa-is-tone-deaf-on-nextgen-noise-impacts/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218185346/http://aireform.com/a-closer-look-at-how-faa-is-tone-deaf-on-nextgen-noise-impacts/ |archive-date=18 December 2019 |access-date=19 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Implications of Administration Environmental Requirements for NextGen |url=http://www.prospectparkquietskies.org/Maurice_Implications_Enviro_NextGen.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004184459/http://www.prospectparkquietskies.org/Maurice_Implications_Enviro_NextGen.pdf |archive-date=2015-10-04 |access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2018-03-13 |orig-date=2018-03-12 |title=The unheard-of noise pollution from the FAA's wasteful NextGen program |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-unheard-of-noise-pollution-from-the-faas-wasteful-nextgen-program/2018/03/12/67214410-253c-11e8-a227-fd2b009466bc_story.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |place=Washington, D.C. |issn=0190-8286 |oclc=1330888409}}{{WaPoCheckDates}}</ref> Many localities even hear air traffic over previously quiet areas.

Navigation changes angered residents living with increased noise from the extra traffic, and they pushed back on the FAA.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-06-03 |title=FAA to Face NextGen Lawsuit in Phoenix |url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2015/06/03/faa-to-face-nextgen-lawsuit-in-phoenix/ |access-date=2020-08-20 |website=Aviation Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Zipkin |first=Amy |date=2019-11-18 |title=GPS for Air Travel Came With Big Downsides: Noise, Then Lawsuits |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/18/business/planes-noise-flight-paths.html |access-date=2020-08-20 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 27, 2018 |title=Airport noise complainers' sound and fury signify nothing to the FAA |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/airport-noise-complainers-sound-and-fury-signies-nothing-to-the-faa/2018/11/27/ce9377ac-f1b6-11e8-99c2-cfca6fcf610c_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Castleton |first=Barbara |date=April 13, 2019 |title=Noise Pollution: NextGen is the FAA's Carte Blanche to Wreak Havoc on the Public's Ears and... |url=https://bcastleton.medium.com/nextgen-and-noise-pollution-the-faas-carte-blanche-to-send-planes-screaming-over-our-houses-dad4f3d4d29d |website=Medium}}</ref> Multiple municipalities filed suit. Among the metropolitan areas affected are Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, and Washington, D.C.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 May 2017 |title=Residents near BWI angry about increased jet traffic and noise, want FAA to act |url=http://www.abc2news.com/news/state/residents-near-bwi-angry-about-increased-jet-traffic-and-noise-want-faa-to-act}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=City update on airplane noise |url=https://medford.wickedlocal.com/news/20170607/city-update-on-airplane-noise |website=Medford Transcript}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Could airport noise be coming to your neighborhood? Charlotte flight paths may change |url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article153777529.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Is Massive Jetliner Noise Coming to Unsuspecting L.A.? |url=http://www.laweekly.com/news/is-massive-jetliner-noise-coming-to-unsuspecting-la-video-6305819}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Privatizing Air Traffic: How Will It Fly In Queens? |url=http://queenstribune.com/privatizing-air-traffic-will-fly-queens/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618235124/http://queenstribune.com/privatizing-air-traffic-will-fly-queens/ |archive-date=2017-06-18 |access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Maryniak |first=Paul |date=20 January 2017 |title=New law may offer hope to residents plagued by aircraft noise |url=https://www.eastvalleytribune.com/arizona/new-law-may-offer-hope-to-residents-plagued-by-aircraft-noise/article_4e479e92-dc33-11e6-8616-27b57b39af08.html |website=East Valley Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Residents officials lobbying against FAA flight path proposal - Now that a public review period for an environmental assessment for the Federal Aviation Administration's proposed SoCal Metroplex project has come and gone the public and elected off... |url=http://www.sdnews.com/view/full_story/26954855/article-Residents--officials-lobbying-against-FAA%E2%80%88flight-path-proposal- |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070334/http://www.sdnews.com/view/full_story/26954855/article-Residents--officials-lobbying-against-FAA%E2%80%88flight-path-proposal- |archive-date=2018-01-20 |access-date=2018-01-19 |website=www.sdnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=The intolerable level of airline noise post-NextGen |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-level-of-airline-noise-post-nextgen-is-too-darn-high/2017/06/06/9927ce22-4a2f-11e7-987c-42ab5745db2e_story.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> Some community members believe efforts to reduce noise over homes should have been predicted before NextGen navigation changes went into effect, and that the decisions were a complete failure on the part of the FAA and its former administrator, [[Michael Huerta]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 24, 2014 |title=Residents, city officials gear up to fight increased airplane noise |url=https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2014/10/24/residents-city-officials-gear-up-to-fight-increased-airplane-noise |work=Palo Alto Online}}</ref>

A committee tasked with recommending ways to reduce airplane noise in California voted in favor of a new flight path similar to one in place before a March 2015 change by the FAA. It would improve and not eliminate NextGen modifications.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dremann |first=Sue |date=2 January 2017 |title=FAA committee: Scrap existing flight path |url=https://almanacnews.com/news/2017/01/02/faa-committee-scrap-existing-flight-path |website=almanacnews.com}}</ref> Some flight patterns were not changed in the Washington, D.C., area after the FAA received community feedback, although changes brought by NextGen were still considered a problem and won't alter the amount of noise in the area.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2017 |title=FAA drops plan to change flight patterns in region |url=https://wtop.com/local/2017/01/faa-drops-plan-to-change-flight-patterns-in-region/ |website=WTOP}}</ref>

=== Progress ===
In May 2017, U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General Calvin Scovel told Congress that although NextGen has progressed, full implementation of all capabilities and the realization of benefits was still years away.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.enotrans.org/article/inspector-general-slams-faa-deployment-nextgen/|title=Inspector General Slams FAA Deployment of NextGen|website=www.enotrans.org|date=27 November 2023|access-date=19 January 2018|archive-date=20 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120070330/https://www.enotrans.org/article/inspector-general-slams-faa-deployment-nextgen/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://reason.org/news/printer/air-traffic-control-newsletter-138|title=Air Traffic Control Newsletter #138|date=5 December 2016}}</ref><ref name="auto6"/> Of the 156 milestones the FAA reported as completed through March 2017, most were attributed to the implementation of wake recategorization and Data Communications (Data Comm) at airport towers. Significant work remained to deploy new Performance Based Navigation (PBN) procedures to capture airspace efficiencies and boost arrival rates, develop surface technologies to enhance capacity on crowded runways and taxiways, and install en route Data Comm.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fcw.com/articles/2017/05/22/faa-hearing-gunter.aspx|title=GOP continues push to privatize air traffic control|first1=Chase|last1=Gunter|date=May 22, 2017|website=FCW|access-date=January 19, 2018|archive-date=January 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065902/https://fcw.com/articles/2017/05/22/faa-hearing-gunter.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/6/5/15740810/trump-air-traffic-control-privatization|title=Why Trump's plan to privatize air traffic control could end up costing more|date=5 June 2017}}</ref>

To continue progress toward major program milestones, the FAA needed to resolve key risk areas that materially affected the delivery, capabilities, and benefits of modernization priorities. Recognizing these risks with its NextGen Advisory Committee priority areas, the FAA adjusted its plans and established a three-year rolling joint implementation plan updated at the beginning of each fiscal year to focus on high-benefit, high-readiness capabilities. The FAA and industry also agreed on ways to increase communication on these issues.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oig.dot.gov/library-item/35697|title=Testimony {{pipe}} Office of Inspector General {{pipe}} U.S. Department of Transportation|website=www.oig.dot.gov}}</ref>

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported the FAA is slow to integrate drones into the National Airspace System and has no comprehensive integration strategy. Operators also face difficulty in conducting advanced operations because the FAA has been unclear about what is required.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drones: FAA Should Improve Its Approach to Integrating Drones into the National Airspace System |url=https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-105189 |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=www.gao.gov |date=26 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref> The GAO also noted in 2023 that the FAA progress has been uneven and offered recommendations on how to improve implementation.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Accidents |first1=Gordon Gilbert • Contributor- |last2=Regulations |title=GAO Report Notes Uneven Progress in FAA NextGen Implementation {{!}} AIN |url=http://backend.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2023-12-12/gao-mixed-progress-faas-nextgen-plan |access-date=2024-02-01 |website=Aviation International News|date=12 December 2023 }}</ref>

=== Performance ===
In a report from Lou E. Dixon, former Department of Transportation principal assistant inspector general for auditing and evaluation, the FAA's major acquisitions since the creation of the [[Air Traffic Organization]] continue to lack in performance. The cost of six programs increased by a total of $692 million, and schedule delays averaged 25 months. Reporting on overall program costs, schedules, and benefits became unclear and inconsistent. Notwithstanding reforms, several underlying and systemic issues — including overambitious plans, shifting requirements, software development problems, ineffective contract and program management, and unreliable cost and schedule estimates — affect the FAA's ability to introduce new technologies and capabilities that are critical to transitioning to NextGen.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://reason.org/news/show/1014429.html/|title=Inspector General Report Shows FAA Is Failing and Why a Non-Profit Should Manage Air Traffic Control|date=21 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oig.dot.gov/library-item/32908|title=Audit Reports {{pipe}} Office of Inspector General {{pipe}} U.S. Department of Transportation|website=www.oig.dot.gov}}</ref>

During a meeting with airline chief executive officers shortly after taking office in 2017, [[Donald Trump|President Donald Trump]] said the [[Presidency of Barack Obama|Obama administration]] spent more than $7 billion to upgrade the system and "totally failed." However, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said in a speech that NextGen had provided $2.7 billion in benefits and was on track to provide more than $157 billion more by 2030. Huerta acknowledged government procurement requirements have slowed the NextGen rollout.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article154496974.html|title=Trump loves his rural base, but will they lose under his plan to privatize FAA?}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aol.com/article/news/2017/03/02/faa-head-touts-air-traffic-improvements-which-trump-called-out/21872352/|title=FAA head defends air traffic improvements which Trump called 'out of whack'|website=www.aol.com|date=3 March 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/84d919f1d46f4871a9a966c601b60954/no-price-tag-end-date-faas-air-traffic-control-plan|title=No price tag, end date for FAA's air traffic control plan|website=Associated Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907120311/https://apnews.com/84d919f1d46f4871a9a966c601b60954/no-price-tag-end-date-faas-air-traffic-control-plan|archive-date=2017-09-07|url-status=dead}}</ref> The FAA measures and reports the value of benefits.<ref name="Performance Reporting and Benefits">{{Cite web |date=July 20, 2022 |title=Performance Reporting and Benefits |url=https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/reporting-benefits |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref> The agency still projects $100 billion worth of benefits by 2030 in its Section 502 NextGen report although in the past it had said that amount was unachievable in that timeframe. Among the findings of a 2024 U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General audit report was that NextGen will be "less transformational than originally promised."<ref>{{Cite web |title=FAA's Report on Air Traffic Modernization Presents an Incomplete and Out-of-Date Assessment of NextGen {{!}} DOT OIG |url=https://www.oig.dot.gov/library-item/46255 |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=www.oig.dot.gov}}</ref> 

The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General noted the FAA was slow to deliver results, overestimated the value of benefits, and that industry believes the FAA is lacking in transparency.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Editor-in-Chief |first=Matt Thurber • |title=DOT Office of Inspector General Report Faults FAA NextGen Program Progress {{!}} AIN |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2024-05-02/dot-inspector-general-report-faults-faa-nextgen-progress |access-date=2024-06-21 |website=Aviation International News}}</ref> A House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee spokesperson expressed disappointment in the efforts to modernize the NAS, in particular NextGen, in reaction to a 2024 GAO report urging action to modernize aging systems.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yurk |first=Valerie |date=2024-10-08 |title=Congress urged to shift billions to improve aging flight controls |url=https://rollcall.com/2024/10/08/congress-urged-to-shift-billions-to-improve-aging-flight-controls/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Roll Call |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Communication ===
Another concern is that the FAA's business case does not communicate the range of uncertainty or complex factors associated with NextGen implementation to Congress, aviation stakeholders, or the traveling public, which limits the agency's ability to set realistic expectations for NextGen benefits.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Department of Transportation letter to Rep. Bill Shuster and Rep. Frank LoBiondo on NextGen benefits projections |url=https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/FAA%20NexGen%20Business%20Case%20Letter%5E8-15-17.pdf}}</ref> The National Research Council's 2015 "Review of the Next Generation Air Transportation System" report found that the effort emphasizes modernizing aging equipment and systems — a shift from its original vision that is not clear to all stakeholders.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Review of the Next Generation Air Transportation System: Implications and Importance of System Architecture |url=http://sites.nationalacademies.org/cs/groups/depssite/documents/webpage/deps_161390.pdf}}</ref>

=== System architecture ===
The National Research Council's 2015 "Review of the Next Generation Air Transportation System" report explained that NextGen needed an explicit system architecture — in addition to its existing enterprise architecture  — to guide its development, manage risk, and cope with change. To create this architecture, the FAA should build an architecture community and also strengthen its workforce in several technical fields. The report also examined the incorporation of cybersecurity, unmanned aircraft systems, and human factors into the NextGen architecture. Finally, the report considered NextGen's anticipated costs and benefits, noting that airlines are not motivated to spend money on NextGen because they receive few direct benefits and face schedule uncertainty.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=21721|title=FAA Should 'Reset Expectations' for Next Generation Air Transportation System|website=www8.nationalacademies.org}}</ref>

=== Privatization ===
Before a meeting to discuss air traffic control privatization, [[U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure|U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure]] staff sent a letter in May 2017 to the committee members noting a 35-year legacy of failed air traffic control modernization management, including NextGen. The letter said the FAA initially described NextGen as fundamentally transforming how air traffic would be managed. However, in 2015 the [[National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine|National Research Council]] explained that NextGen, as currently executed, was not broadly transformational and that it is a set of programs to implement a suite of incremental changes to the National Airspace System (NAS).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://transportation.house.gov/uploadedfiles/2017-05-17_-_full_committee_ssm.pdf|title=Committee Hearing on "The Need to Reform FAA and Air Traffic Control to Build a 21st Century Aviation System for America"}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://transportation.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400893|title=Latest Inspector General Report Underscores Need for Air Traffic Control Reform}}</ref>

Criticism of NextGen led to a renewed drive to reform air traffic control, supported by the Trump Administration, by moving this function from the government to a not-for-profit, independent entity managed by a professional board of directors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2017/06/05/president-donald-j-trumps-principles-reforming-us-air-traffic-control|via=[[NARA|National Archives]]|work=[[whitehouse.gov]]|title=President Donald J. Trump's Principles for Reforming the U.S. Air Traffic Control System}}</ref> Privatization was an effort to improve the pace of NAS modernization, and is supported by [[Airlines for America]], the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines. However, the general aviation community resists it because it may increase their costs of operation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ontimeflights.org/about_us|title=Citizens For On Time Flights}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2017/06/trump-air-traffic-control-explained/|title=So What's the Deal With Air Traffic Control Reform?|magazine=Wired |via=www.wired.com|last1=Marshall |first1=Aarian }}</ref> 

In 2018, the leading advocate for privatization, Rep. Bill Shuster, ended his effort as there was not enough support for it despite bipartisan support among lawmakers, industry, and labor groups.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jansen |first=Bart |title=Top House advocate for privatizing air-traffic control drops effort |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/02/27/faa-air-traffic-control-privatization/379647002/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> During a luncheon at the Aero Club of Washington in 2024, the former representative said he still believes in privatization. With President Trump returning to the White House in 2025, there may be renewed interest for it to happen.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Editor |first1=Kerry Lynch • |last2=magazine |first2=AIN monthly |title=Former Rep. Shuster Pushes Air Traffic Control Privatization Concept {{!}} AIN |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2024-11-26/former-rep-shuster-pushes-atc-privatization-concept |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Aviation International News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-23 |title=How Trump's Return to the White House Will Reshape Aviation in America |url=https://businesstravelerusa.com/news/trump-reshape-aviation-in-america/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Business Traveler USA |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cato.org/blog/trump-should-privatize-air-traffic-control |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=www.cato.org}}</ref>

== Future ==
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 gives an end date of the FAA Office of NextGen and the work of this office as December 31, 2025. All unfinished NextGen programs will transfer to the new Airspace Modernization Office.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2024 |title=H. R. 3935, FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 |url=https://transportation.house.gov/uploadedfiles/faa_reauthorization_act_of_2024.pdf |access-date=June 21, 2024 |website=U.S. House of Representatives}}</ref>

Building upon NextGen and also supporting trajectory-based operations, the next FAA initiative for U.S. National Airspace System modernization is going to be centered on information.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2022 |title=Charting Aviation's Future: Vision for an Info-Centric National Airspace System |url=https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/icn |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=Federal Aviation Administration}}</ref> The FAA published "Charting Aviation's Future: Vision for an Info-Centric National Airspace System" in 2022 to begin the discussion of what comes after NextGen. This initiative intends to incorporate innovative technologies into a fully integrated information environment for all types of operations, from the smallest drone to the largest spacecraft. The vision covers three areas: operations, infrastructure, and integrated safety management.

==References==
{{FAA.Gov|url=http://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsid=8145 |article=Fact Sheet}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/ FAA Office of NextGen]
*[https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/offices/tc/library/Storyboard/nextgen-overview.html FAA NAS Animated Storyboard]
*[https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/community_engagement FAA Community Engagement]
*[https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=faa+nextgen FAA NextGen Videos]

[[Category:Air traffic control in the United States]]
[[Category:Federal Aviation Administration]]
[[Category:Electronic navigation]]
[[Category:NASA aeronautical programs]]
[[Category:2003 introductions]]
[[Category:2003 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Aviation initiatives]]