NATCA Bookshelf

NIW Today | 55 Q & A 15 UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS/DRONES Does NATCA support the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)? R » The safe integration of UAS into the NAS is a top priority for NATCA. R » NATCA believes the widespread commercial application of UAS must not be permitted until the FAA establishes clear and enforceable operating standards. R » It is important to strike a balance between maintaining existing safety levels within the NAS, the potential value of UAS to the economy, and the need for protocols to regulate the wide spectrum of UAS operations. 12 13 14 What is NextGen? Does NATCA support NextGen? What is the status of NextGen? R » NextGen describes a comprehensive modernization project that is shifting the FAA from its current ground- based radar system to a smarter, satellite-based aircraft tracking system and digital technologies, along with new procedures that will make air travel more efficient, predictable, and environmentally friendly. R » NextGen improvements enable the FAA to guide and track aircraft more precisely on more direct routes. NextGen will produce efficiencies that will enhance safety, reduce delays, save fuel, and reduce aircraft exhaust emissions. R » NextGen is vital to preserving the United States as the world's leader in aviation. This is important due to the significant contribution aviation makes to our economy. R » Yes. NATCA and the FAA have been working collaboratively on the development and implementation of NextGen. R » NATCA representatives on NextGen use official time to work collaboratively with the FAA on modernizing the system. These efforts are vital to the successful development and implementation of NextGen. R » We take great pride in our role as a partner on the leading edge of NextGen. R » In order for NextGen to be successfully completed, the FAA needs a stable and predictable funding stream. R » The recent 35-day government shutdown halted all FAA modernization programs, causing significant delays and wasting critical resources and federal taxpayer money. The FAA and NATCA must work together collaboratively to get these programs back on track. R » Sequestration, the resulting April 2013 furloughs, and the October 2013 government shutdown created needless delays in the development, design, and implementation of NextGen and increased costs in these key modernization programs for our aviation system. R » Thanks to collaboration between the FAA and NATCA, we have achieved several successes on NextGen projects including ERAM, DataComm, and Metroplex. NEXTGEN

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