Another Vote Of Confidence in Next-Gen Plan
The Aerospace Industries Association has applauded the release
of the FAA's final rule mandating ADS-B out equipage by 2020.
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipage makes
use of GPS signals via satellite to broadcast airspeed and location
data to air traffic controllers and pilots.
"It represents a quantum leap forward over the current
radar-based air traffic control system, and when the Next
Generation Air Transportation System is fully operational, it will
bring enormous economic and environmental benefits to the nation,"
said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey.
In order to defray the very significant cost of the new rule,
AIA will continue to advocate financial incentives for operators to
assist with the cost and to accelerate NextGen. "Implementation of
the system could be accelerated by three to five years with
incentives for equipage," said Blakey.
"Financial assistance to purchase mandated avionics equipment
makes sense not only because the equipment is required airborne
infrastructure for future aircraft separation, but also because it
will take some time before commercial and general aviation
operators receive the real benefits of their investment," said
Blakey. "Moreover, since experts believe full implementation of
NextGen will bring enormous economic and environmental benefits to
all Americans, we should accelerate those benefits with financial
assistance."
Independent studies and government agencies like the GAO have
noted that accelerated deployment of ground and airborne
infrastructure will bring early benefits which, in turn, will bring
an early return on the government's investment. Earlier this week
at its Spring Board of Governors meeting, AIA endorsed a strong,
operator-supported financial incentive package for NextGen avionics
equipment.
The Future of Aviation Advisory Council was recently formed by
Transportation Secretary LaHood to come up with recommendations to
help strengthen our nation's civil aviation industry. This body is
an excellent venue to explore innovative funding ideas to
accelerate NextGen: it has senior industry representation from
labor, airports, operators and manufacturers.
"AIA and its nearly 300 members look forward to working with the
rest of the industry and the Transportation Department to make the
safest, most efficient air transportation system in the world even
better," Blakey said.