To prepare for forecasted air traffic growth, the FAA, in partnership with other fed. agencies and the aviation industry, is planning and implementing the Next Generation Air Transport. System (NextGen), a new, satellite-based air traffic mgmt. system that is expected to increase the safety and enhance the capacity of the air transport system. Within FAA, the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO) is coordinating efforts to plan for this transition, including developing a 20-year R&D agenda for NextGen. JPDO has drafted 3 planning documents for NextGen -- a Concept of Operations, an Enterprise Architecture, and an Integrated Work Plan. This testimony responds to 6 questions about NextGen, and addresses two related challenges. Illus.

The FAA, incl. its Joint Planning and Dev¿t. Office (JPDO) and Air Traffic Org. (ATO), is planning for and implementing the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) in partnership with other fed. agencies and the aviation industry. NextGen will transform the current radar-based air traffic control system into a more automated, aircraft-centered, satellite-based system. This testimony focuses on: (1) JPDO's and ATO's progress in planning and implementing NextGen; (2) ongoing efforts to implement midterm capabilities to address capacity constraints and delays; (3) the potential impact on NextGen of organizational changes and human capital issues; and (4) R&D and facilities maintenance and reconfiguration challenges going forward. Illus.

Next Generation Air Transportation System: Status of Key Issues Associated with the Transition to NextGen

The FAA is planning and coordinating R&D for the next generation air transportation system (NextGen). Transitioning to the NextGen will require FAA to continue to acquire new air traffic control (ATC) systems on schedule and on budget. NextGen includes system acquisitions but is a significantly larger initiative involving multiple federal agencies, such as NASA, which conducted aeronautics R&D for NextGen, and non-federal aviation stakeholders, such as aviation equipment manufacturers, airports, and aircraft operators. This report addressed: (1) FAA¿s ATC systems acquisition activities; (2) key NextGen planning and transition issues; and (3) key challenges that FAA faces in implementing NextGen. Illustrations.