The FAA undertook a multibillion-dollar modernization effort in 1981, but it has experienced serious delays. To get the modernization effort back on track, the FAA -- in consultation with the aviation community -- is developing a phased approach to modernization, including a new way of managing air traffic known as "free flight." This report reviews: (1) the status of the FAA's efforts to implement free flight, including a planned operational demonstration formerly known as Flight 2000; and (2) the views of the aviation community and FAA on the challenges that must be met to implement free flight in a cost-effective manner. Tables.

When discussing the risk of introducing drones into the National Airspace System, it is necessary to consider the increase in risk to people in manned aircraft and on the ground as well as the various ways in which this new technology may reduce risk and save lives, sometimes in ways that cannot readily be accounted for with current safety assessment processes. This report examines the various ways that risk can be defined and applied to integrating these Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It also identifies needs for additional research and developmental opportunities in this field.

RCED-98-246 National Airspace System: FAA Has Implemented Some Free Flight Initiatives, but Challenges Remain

This report reviews the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) progress on implementing the Free Flight Program, which would provide more flexibility in air traffic operations. This program would increase collaboration between FAA and the aviation community. By using a set of new automated technologies (tools) and procedures, free flight is intended to increase the capacity and efficiency of the nation's airspace system while helping to minimize delays. GAO found that the scheduled March 2002 date will be too early for FAA to make an informed investment decision about moving to phase 2 of its Free Flight Program because of significant technical and operational issues. Furthermore, FAA's schedule for deploying these tools will not allow enough time to collect enough data to fully analyze their expected benefits. Currently, FAA lacks enough data to demonstrate that these tools can be relied upon to provide accurate data.