The Fed. Aviation Admin. began to modernize the ATC system in 1981 under a 10-year $12 billion program that comprised 80 projects. In 1991, the modernization effort was redefined incorporating the original projects and about 150 additional ones. Currently, the program is estimated to cost $32.8 billion through the year 2000 and will require an additional $1.3 billion for 2001. This report provides information on the status of modernization of the ATC system. Also contains information on overall costs of air traffic control modernization. Tables.

This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. The National Weather Service's (NWS) weather products are a vital component of the FAA¿s air traffic control system. In addition to providing aviation weather products developed at its own facilities, NWS also provides on-site staff at each of FAA's en route centers -- the facilities that control high-altitude flight outside the airport tower and terminal areas. NWS and FAA have been exploring options for improving the aviation weather services provided at en route centers. This report: (1) determines the status of the agencies' efforts to restructure aviation weather services; (2) assesses the agencies' progress in establishing performance baselines in order to measure the effect of any changes; and (3) evaluates plans to address key challenges. Ill.