NATCA Bookshelf

8 NextGen Now | Summer 2015 On May 2, the FAA hosted one of the most successful media events for NextGen and NATCA-FAA collaboration thus far in a series of joint press efforts to promote modernization. NATCA participated in the press conference at Newark (EWR) to introduce the Data Communications (Data Comm) program and demonstrate its effectiveness and importance in improving the safety and efficiency of the EWR operation. Before nearly two dozen media outlets, NATCA President Paul Rinaldi and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta lead the press conference to discuss the technology and how collaboration has continued to result in NextGen successes. "The great collaboration at Newark between NATCA, the FAA, and all stakeholders has led to the safe and effective development of Data Comm," Rinaldi said. "This is game-changing technology. The initial benefits will be realized the first time we run a severe weather program at Newark and at other busy airports. Weather re-routes are very time consuming, and our expectation is that Data Comm will increase our efficiency and decrease frequency congestion." Said Huerta: "Data Comm is being used here at Newark to give air traffic controllers and pilots the ability to transmit flight plans and other essential messages with the touch of a button instead of multiple verbal communications. This switch from voice to text doesn't just speed things up, it also increases safety – reducing the chance of a read-back error while relaying information. Additionally, it allows controllers to send text instructions to several aircraft at once – a much more accurate and efficient process than having numerous conversations." Huerta explained to the media attendees that the move from voice to text technology is analogous to moving from "calling your friend for directions to his house and writing down what he tells you," and watching many minutes go by, to instead now having his address "pre- programmed into your car's GPS system – and all you have to do is press 'GO.'" Joining Rinaldi and the Administrator at the event- opening press conference were FAA Regional Administrator Carmine Gallo, Port Authority of New York/New Jersey Aviation Director Thomas Bosco, United Parcel Service (UPS) Airlines Flight Operations Director Capt. Chris Williams, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) President Mike Perrone, United Airlines Vice Chairman and Chief Revenue Officer James Compton, and FedEx Senior Vice President of Flight Operations Paul Cassel. DATA COMMUNICATIONS DATA COMM

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