Mon, Nov 26, 2007
Industry Still Studying Radical Changes In ATC
Heeding the aviation industry's call, the FAA is allowing more
time to weigh in on its ADS-B (automatic dependent
surveillance-broadcast) proposal, reports the Aircraft Owners and
Pilots Association.
In its petition for the 60-day extension, AOPA said there were
questions regarding the financial feasibility for general aviation
as the FAA shifts to a satellite-based navigation and air traffic
control system. Also, AOPA wanted to make sure that the proposal
would improve ATC services at GA airports while enhancing
safety.
"While the transition from today's radar to ADS-B will take more
than 13 years, it is important for the FAA to get it right," said
AOPA President Phil Boyer. "At the current cost of $8,000 to
$10,000 per aircraft for ADS-B equipment, it is a lot of money to
spend for the same access and services we now have with a
transponder."
Several other industry groups weighed in, as well... convincing
the FAA it was wise to move the comment deadline to March 3,
2008.
The FAA estimates aircraft owners will invest between $1.27
billion and $7.46 billion in avionics equipment. While ADS-B offers
a lot of potential benefits, Congress is already skeptical about
the FAA's ability to keep tabs on the new ADS-B contractor.
As ANN reported, on August 30
the FAA awarded a contract to ITT Corp. to build and operate the
ADS-B ground infrastructure and supply aircraft position data to
the FAA. One month later, the FAA issued the proposed rules that
would require all aircraft to add ADS-B equipment by 2020 to be
able to fly within Class B and C airspace and above 10,000
feet.
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]