NATCA Supports NextGen Modernization Projects, Recognizes Collaboration As Key to Success

National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Paul Rinaldi affirmed the organizations full support for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) modernization projects, and emphasized stakeholder collaboration before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation hearing on Wednesday.
NextGen modernization projects will allow the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to meet increased demand while improving the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS), reducing delays and protecting the environment. Rinaldi said NATCA has professional air traffic controllers involved in nearly every modernization and NextGen-related program the FAA is working on. He stressed that stakeholder involvement and collaboration is crucial to the success of NextGen, and pointed to examples where that collaboration has produced concrete benefits and savings for the FAA and the flying public.

One instance is in the Optimization of Airspace and Procedures in the Metroplex (OAPM) program. Four new procedures were implemented in the Washington, D.C. area and early returns indicate substantial fuel savings and reduced carbon emissions.

NextGen will transform the national air transportation system, and collaboration is the key to a successful transformation, said Rinaldi. Because of current collaboration efforts among industry leaders and stakeholders, NextGen is moving forward in many areas.

NATCA makes several recommendations to expedite the process of NextGen projects, including a continued focus on collaboration and stakeholder involvement in order to reach realistic deadlines, and streamlining the FAA rule-making process to better implement the new efficiencies being developed by OAPM.

Rinaldis full written testimony to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation, on the subject of A Review of and Update on the Management of FAAs NextGen Program, is available here at this link, on the natca.org website:

http://bit.ly/SbDvkl
Contact
Sarah Dunn
From
Natca
Website
www.natca.org
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