Avionics
GAO Sees Progress and Limitations for NextGen
Innovative Solutions & Support will retrofit an advanced flight management system and primary flight displays on Delta Air Lines MD-88s, shown here, and MD-90s. This will help prepare the older aircraft for operations in the NextGen ATC environment. (Photo: IS&S)
Innovative Solutions & Support will retrofit an advanced flight management system and primary flight displays on Delta Air Lines MD-88s, shown here, and MD-90s. This will help prepare the older aircraft for operations in the NextGen ATC environment. (Photo: IS&S)

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has made progress in delivering some of the operational improvements that are envisioned by the NextGen ATC modernization effort. But to demonstrate those improvements sooner, the agency has also made “trade-offs” that could limit their overall benefit to airlines in the coming years, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO).