NATCA Bookshelf

Q & A Q A Does NATCA support the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)? DRONES • The safe integration of UAS into the NAS is a top priority for NATCA. • There are some challenges, and NATCA believes the widespread commercial application of drones must not be permitted until the FAA establishes clear and enforceable operating standards. • 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. Q A Q A Q A What is NextGen? Does NATCA support NextGen? What is the status of NextGen? • NextGen describes an over-arching modernization project that will shift the FAA from its current ground-based RADAR system to smarter, satellite-based aircraft tracking system and digital technologies, along with new procedures that will combine to make air travel more efficient, predictable, and environmentally friendly. In short, NextGen will make the necessary upgrades to modernize the NAS. • 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. • NextGen is also vital to preserving the United States as the world's leader in aviation and aviation's significant contributions to our economy. • Yes. NATCA and the FAA have been working collaboratively on the development and implementation of NextGen. • NATCA representatives on NextGen use official time to work collaboratively with the FAA on modernizing the system. This includes procedures that are vital to the success of NextGen. • We take great pride in our role as a partner on the leading edge of NextGen. • In order for NextGen to be successfully completed, a stable and predictable funding stream is necessary. • Sequestration and the resulting April 2013 furloughs, as well as 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. The shuttering and reactivation of NextGen programs not only delayed their progress, but also increased costs. • The bottom line is that a stable and predictable funding stream is key to a successful NextGen program. NEXTGEN NiW Today n i w . n a t c a . n e t 36

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