ATC - USA

FAA Publishes Update on ADS-B

Jan. 1, 2020, might seem like a long time away to some, but the FAA’s publication of an updated advisory circular (AC)–AC 90-114A–last week makes it clear there’s work ahead to prepare aircraft and operators for the requirements of ADS-B in and out, also covered under FAR 91.225 and 91.227. The updated AC is not mandatory and suggests one method of compliance with the upcoming regulations. While there is no FAA authorization required for aircraft operating in U.S. airspace, some ICAO states do require such a document. The AC offers the most current descriptions of the ADS-B architecture, as well as details about the technology, such as an explanation of the dual transmission frequencies and the general operating procedures that will become mandatory in slightly more than five years. An updated list of transponder codes for ADS-B in and out is provided, along with an outline of suggested preflight procedures for entering ADS-B message elements. The AC’s appendices are also rich with details of ADS-B operations outside the U.S., as well as the in-trail separation procedures international aircraft can expect and a look at the upcoming cockpit assisted visual separation system offered through ADS-B.

FAA Declares Latest NextGen Project a Success

by Gregory Polek

 - November 19, 2014, 1:52 PM

Operators flying into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport can now take advantage of more than 80 new procedures designed to stremline traffic flow. (Photo: Flickr: Creative Commons (BY-SA) by mikecogh)

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday declared a successful implementation of the latest phase of its NextGen airspace redesign known as the North Texas Metroplex NextGen project. According to anFAA statement, the airspace improvements will reduce distance flown by as much as 1 million nautical miles annually, saving up to 4.1 million gallons of fuel and cutting carbon emissions by as much as 41,000 metric tons each year.

“Using NextGen satellite-based technology, the FAA and its workforce have collaborated with the industry to convert the busy and complex airspace around North Texas into some of the most efficient in the nation,” saidFAA Administrator Michael Huerta.  “The result is a solution that benefits not only the National Airspace System but also the aviation industry, the environment and the traveling public.”

The North Texas Metroplex initiative included what the FAA called strategies that streamlined the airspace and helped reduce complexity for air traffic controllers and flight crews. As part of the program, the FAA developed 80 new procedures to take advantage of the precision of global positioning system (GPS) technology. The strategies included creating optimized profile descent (OPD) procedures into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL). OPDs allow pilots to almost idle the engines while the aircraft descends at a constant rate. Previous airspace procedures required airplanes to level off at certain points to allow for coordination between air traffic controllers.