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.

Issues of personnel development in air traffic control (ATC) have become a major topic in aviation recruitment and training. Proper selection and training methods are needed in order to reach a high level of efficiency and reliability in ATC. Pilots were considered the most prominent group in aviation for a long time, but with the development of flight guidance technologies came a second operational occupation in aviation: the air traffic controller (ATCO). This volume provides a state-of-the-art overview of controller selection from an impressive collection of international specialists in research and practice. It will prove a valuable and key insight into the demands of air traffic controller selection through its comprehensive and enlightening examination of the current practice in the USA and Europe for the job-analysis requirements of future air traffic management (ATM) systems.