U.S. Airspace Optimization Effort Advances
A nationwide effort to “de-conflict” airspace in major metropolitan areas using existing technology and procedures is progressing, with studies completed a
Out of the some two dozen major candidate metroplexes, this year’s OAPM studies will cover Charlotte, Northern California, Houston, Atlanta and Southern California.
Out of the some two dozen major candidate metroplexes, this year’s OAPM studies will cover Charlotte, Northern California, Houston, Atlanta and Southern California.

A nationwide effort to “de-conflict” airspace in major metropolitan areas using existing technology and procedures is progressing, with studies completed at the first two of several designated sites.

The FAA has concluded studies at the Washington, D.C., and North Texas “metroplex” sites–metropolitan areas with multiple airports and municipalities–designated by the agency through the Optimization of Airspace and Procedures in the Metroplex (OAPM) project. The first two metroplex sites, considered prototypes, now transition to a design and implementation phase that could see airspace changes implemented by 2013.