PRE-METROPLEX
POST-METROPLEX
15
NextGen Now | Winter 2014
runway in a smooth, continuous arc instead of the
traditional staircase descent. A traditional staircase
descent burns fuel at each step. In addition, voice
communications between air traffic controllers
and pilots will be greatly reduced since clearances
required during each step of a staircase descent are
eliminated.
"The D.C. Metroplex Team has set the standard for
the entire Metroplex project; they were the first
team to implement, and this is another step in their
phased approach," said NATCA National Airspace
Representative Jim Davis. "The D.C. team created
the Metroplex implementation 'playbook,' and it has
been continuously improved."
Davis said it is important for the FAA to work closely with
all stakeholders on the planning and implementation
of new technologies, including Metroplex airspace
procedures and other improvements.
"Collaboration is extremely important in successfully
changing the way that we operate the NAS,
and achieving the expected benefits from new
technologies and procedures is only possible if we
actually use the procedures as intended," he said.
"That means that we need ownership and buy-in from
the individuals that are responsible for the operation.
Collaboration, among FAA, NATCA, and industry, is
the only way that we can ensure the full knowledge
base and diverse perspectives of key stakeholders
are brought into the planning and implementation
processes, at the right time and at the right level."
