FAA’s NextGen is a program with a lot of promise. But like every large transformation program, success results out of flawless execution of the plan. Vision is important and it plays an important role. However, history is rife with many examples of great vision and flawed execution.
FAA’s NextGen definitely has its critics, many of them are in Congress itself. The scale, size and complexity of program leads to high cost. On the other hand, the very same traits make the program hard to qualify and quantify. The measures are hard to define and the metrics are hard even more difficult to communicate. The FAA’s site is increasingly driven to show videos, animations and other material that can tell the taxpayer and/or flyer the implications and benefits of NextGen. The benefits are beginning to accrue (United joins NextGen Data Communications”, 2013). Clearly, current day criticisms are indicative that they are not doing enough to convince the stakeholders (Ashley, 2015; Pianin, 2014). The NextGen program would have been better off being handled as specific initiatives focused on specific benefits. Bundling too much into one program leads to the issues that NextGen is facing.
The move from traditional Radar-based to air traffic management to GPS-reliance is inevitable. However, the implications for pilots, airlines, flyers, and taxpayers are not small. Prior studies of the USNAS and air traffic related issues in the US have adequately indicated the need for transformation (FAA, 2004; 2007; 2011). In my mind, this transformation is not an option. The criticism that its waste of money is not true. It is much needed and eventually the US will benefit from such a transformation. As to whether the FAA should do a better task of earning value on money spent and fast tracking the program to success is another question. The FAA can, and should, absolutely doing a better job of keeping the program on track and communicating the benefits to relevant stakeholders.
References –
Denver International Airport starts new arrival-departures for NextGen. (2013, May 28). Retrieved March 28, 2015 from http://www.denverpost.com/ci_23333350/denver-international-airport-starts-new-arrival-departures-nextgenLinks to an external site.
Federal Aviation Administration. (2004). Capacity Needs in the National Airspace System: An Analysis of Airports and Metropolitan Area Demand and Operational Capacity in the Future. Retrieved from http://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/publications/reports/media/NAS_needs.pdfLinks to an external site.
Federal Aviation Administration. (2007). Capacity Needs in the National Airspace System: An Analysis of Airports and Metropolitan Area Demand and Operational Capacity in 2015 and 2025. Retrieved from http://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/publications/reports/media/fact_2.pdfLinks to an external site.
Federal Aviation Administration. (2011). National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems Report. Retrieved from http://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/npias/reports/Links to an external site.
Federal Aviation Administration. (2014). NextGen Implementation Plan 2014. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/library/media/NextGen_Implementation_Plan_2014.pdfLinks to an external site.
Harris: United airlines joins FAA NextGen data communications avionics equipage program. (2013). Travel & Leisure Close – Up, Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/docview/1444529303?accountid=27203Links to an external site.
Halsey, A. (2015, May 1). Scathing report: FAA isn’t delivering what was promised in $40 billion project. Retrieved December 18, 2015, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/report-says-faa-isnt-delivering-what-was-promised-in-40-billion-project/2015/05/01/81676e6a-eff4-11e4-a55f-38924fca94f9_story.html
Long-Term Market. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2015, from http://www.boeing.com/boeing/commercial/cmo/index.pageLinks to an external site.?
Pianin, E. (2014, November 19). Congress Enraged by the FAA’s $40B White Elephant. Retrieved December 18, 2015, from http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/2014/11/19/NextGen-Congress-Enraged-FAA-s-40B-White-ElephantLinks to an external site.
United Airlines Starts NextGen Flight Procedures in Houston. (2014, June 10). Retrieved March 28, 2015, from http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/topstories/United-Airlines-Starts-NextGen-Flight-Procedures-in-Houston_82359.html#.VRbYOikQwhF