Introduction
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) program has been in charge of controlling the policies that pertain to the traffic control system for ten years thus far. In turn, the industry has managed to reduce the negative effects experienced in air transportation (Salas & Maurino, 2010). Despite this, there are a number of issues that the industry faces owing to the complexity of the market. One of the ways that authorities in the field such as the FAA are improving the situation is by introducing new policies. As such, the program has launched the NextGen project which is intended to improve the issues and complications faced by aircrafts (Amalberti, 2013).
Notably, NextGen stands for (Next Generation Air Transport System) which uses technical devices to increase the benefits during navigation. The technology is based on the improvement on the current policies, practices, and standards in airports, multiple carriers, and the FAA. A benefit expected from the concept is the introduction of new technology in the aviation industry. Apart from this, it initiates the creation of new designs of the airspace. Also, it assists in the realignment of facilities used by aircrafts. Finally, it improves the quality of flying by reducing the negative effects faced by human beings such as fatigue, training, staffing, and control (Salas & Maurino, 2010).
From the time of the launch of the program, there has been little progress in terms of balancing the required technology with implementation. Aside from this, new policies and strategies on training should be considered before NextGen can be fully usable. Before NextGen can be installed, a couple issues have to be addressed. Some of the issues in this case are the installation of a new GPS navigation system, monitors, software, and tracking systems. With regard to the user- by- user and the location- by- location factor, new policies have to be introduced to align the old practices with the new functions (Amalberti, 2013).
As a result, the implementation of the system cannot be enhanced without the improvement of the mentioned factors. The main reason for the creation of NextGen is to improve the air traffic control system in the United States. If properly implemented, the country stands to gain in more ways than one. Some of the areas that will be affected are airport design, development, operations, and funding sources on the airport systems. A close look at the mentioned factors will create an understanding of NextGen’s implications on the industry as a whole (Amalberti, 2013).
Impact of NextGen on the Airport Design, Development, Operations and Funding Sources on the Airport Systems
One of the impacts that NextGen will have on the airport design is that it will introduce advanced designs that will complement the new systems. The designs should however be functional in that they should apply to the new improvement intended for navigation with regard to efficiency, reliability, and effectiveness. The design will touch on all aspects of aviation such as the airport design, GPS monitors, and navigation systems. All these factors will be enhanced by the design of new airports which will accommodate the new demands as per the new technology. In turn, the number of accidents and inconveniences will be reduced (Salas & Maurino, 2010).
Secondly, NextGen will enhance the rate of development of the industry in different parts of the country. The country is set to gain financially from the move owing to the amount of profits projected for the aircraft industry. As such, the economic state of the United States will improve because of the increased GDP attained from the airlines. The country will also gain from the system in terms of efficiency and reliable transport. In some cases, customers are inconvenienced because of cancelation of flights on several incidents. The new system will make flying more convenient and affordable (Salas & Maurino, 2010).
Operation is probably one of the aspects that will be affected by the new system. Airlines will have to structure their operations according to the GPS system to enhance synchronization. This will include training employees on how to use the new system without compromising on the quality of the service provided. Since operations are technological in nature, most companies will have to restructure their internal origination to meet the new requirements (Salas & Maurino, 2010).
Generally, NextGen will change the dynamics in the industry at large. One of the areas that will slow down the process if not approached the right way is funding. Airport systems will have to be changed to meet the new demands in order to enjoy all the benefits. This will require a considerable amount of funding. As a result, the emphasis should be placed in these sectors so as to reduce the strains that may come with the funding process. This will reduce the time needed to make the move without experiencing any technical hitches (Amalberti, 2013).
Conclusion
FAAs program has improved the operation of aircrafts in all aspects of development. Some of the improvements are said to benefit the industry by reducing technical issues experienced during the navigation of aircrafts. NextGen has a long way to go before it is fully implemented. If done successfully, the company stands to enhance the countries social-cultural, economic, industrial, and political developments.
- Amalberti, R. (2013). Navigating safety: Necessary compromises and trade-offs– theory and practice. Dordrecht: Springer.
- Salas, E., & Maurino, D. E. (2010). Human factors in aviation. Amsterdam: Academic Press/Elsevier.
