John Sheridan

The U.S. ATC central nervous system–known as the traffic-flow management system–has nearly outgrown its capacity, prompting the FAA to call for modernization of this critical infrastructure. The complex computer system is the heart of the National Airspace System Command Center in Herndon, Va., which continuously feeds traffic-flow information to ARTCCs, Tracons, towers, civil operators, military bases and other U.S. and overseas locations.
Developed in the mid-1980s, the current system has undergone several major upgrades, with more than 50 new capabilities added since 1998. It employs three distinct computer workstation and display technologies, using five software languages, and runs 10 different flow-control programs, with outputs to five separate control networks supporting 30 unique control programs. But its capabilities are stretched, and the FAA intends that modernization must now totally replace, rather than further update, today’s system.
Economic and political imperatives are also driving factors. Aviation is acknowledged as fueling America’s economic growth, causing FAA Administrator Marion Blakey to say that “we need to do what we can to help the industry recover, through technology, through greater efficiencies and through sensible and non-burdensome regulatory schemes.”
The FAA has requested bids, with three bidders to be awarded $2.5 million design contracts. Each will then submit proposals in November for the $100 million production contract, which is expected to be awarded in March next year.
For traffic-flow management, the FAA is exempt from accepting the traditional lowest bid since the technical proposal is significantly more important than a bidder’s contract-management proposal, and because “price is least important.” Emphasis on contract management reflects past difficulties with large programs such as WAAS, which is five years late and has nearly quadrupled in cost.

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

FAA prepares for critical upgrade to traffic-flow management network

The U.S.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

KDCA and KEWR receive SMR-4 installations, while IDIQ AT&T covers coms

FAA Installs Surface Radars at Key Airports and Awards $74.3M to AT&T

Hanneke Weitering

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Milestone covers the software that talks to air traffic control

Merlin Clears a Certification Hurdle for AI in the Cockpit

Charlotte Bailey

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Honeywell-led consortium to consider advanced air mobility integration

Verti-Go Initiative to Lead European Airspace Update

NASA controllers used existing tools to manage simulated autonomous traffic

Wisk Tests 1:3 Supervisor Ratio for Autonomous Flight

Amy Wilder

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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