NextGen

     NextGen, or next generation air transportation system, is a new, revolutionary airspace system designed to enhance safety and at the same time decrease congestion and make for a more efficient air transportation system. Basically, it is moving from a ground based air traffic system to a satellite based one. It uses satellites to track and position planes and allows them to travel closer together and in a more efficient way. We have already seen some form of NextGen implemented in as many as 1600 airports around the U.S.


     NextGen brings a major change to general aviation as well as commercial aviation. For commercial aviation, the positives are obvious: more efficiency, less delays, and potentially safer flights. There are negatives, however. As NextGen is implemented, there will be a crucial time period in which the transition from how we do things now to NextGen could be too abrupt for airlines and air traffic control. It is taking time and we haven't seen many issues yet, but with a completely new way of doing things comes a lot of unknown factors that are extremely difficult, if not impossible to foresee. Another issue is getting hundreds of airlines around the world on the same page, up to speed, and operating in the exact same way when it comes to NextGen. I think it will be a long process and there will definitely be some hiccups along the way. For general aviation, the future is also a little cloudy. There are positives in that the situational awareness for pilots will be greatly increased. This does come at a significant expense to the pilot, however.


     NextGen will definitely come at a very high cost. No one can really tell how much it will be, but the question remains: Who will pay for it? In my opinion, it should be all those affected by it, namely airlines, passengers, and airports. Part of the funding should come out of the tax when people purchase airline tickets. At the same time, it is difficult to put this huge financial burden squarely on the shoulders of the named parties. I also tend to think the government should chip in as well. It is especially hard to determine how well and safe this whole program will be so to be asking people to pay for something that could turn out bad is also another issue to think about.


     NextGen will hopefully affect my career in a positive way. By the time I become a pilot for a living, hopefully all the issues will be ironed out and we will have a smoothly run and effective system in place. There is a long way to go still so by the time I start my career, hopefully the training departments for airlines will incorporate some sort of NextGen transition or introduction.





http://fedscoop.com/nextgen-implementation-cant-happen-without-stable-funding-experts-say/