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FIS-B: What every GA pilot always wanted (at least I do…)

November 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

This is the 14th in a series of articles looking at the impact of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) on GA pilots.

The last discussion on Traffic Information Service–Broadcast (TIS-B) was a clear example of how the FAA is trying to put together a Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) program that all of us in general aviation can sink our teeth into. Flight Information Services-Broadcast (FIS-B) is no different. Again, it is offered to primarily general aviation airplanes that incorporate a Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) to operate under ADS-B.

So what is FIS-B? Flight Information Services-Broadcast will provide free weather to pilots, along with all the goodies that all of us use when planning most flights. I say “most” because I still see so many of my fly buddies go for weekend putts and never even consider any of these services.

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The fizz on TIS

October 30, 2012 by Leave a Comment

This is the 13th in a series of articles looking at the impact of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) on GA pilots.

In my last post, ADS-B: Twice as nice, I spent a fair amount of time detailing the fact that there are two separate ADS-B systems in the U.S. — one for the big boys at 30,000-plus feet and another for the rest of us at 20,000 feet and lower having all the fun.

However, the FAA knew straight away that there was going to be an issue with GA in implementing ADS-B, due to costs, so agency officials started thinking of ways to bribe us into coming “on board” with ADS-B.

The FAA will offer two services that should be beneficial for all of us. One is TIS-B (Traffic Information Service–Broadcast) and the other is FIS-B (Flight Information Service–Broadcast). I doubt that any GA pilot would refuse either of these services, so it does seem that the FAA came up with a cool little offer to get all of us on board. That being said, there is still a ways to go before everyone out there goes for it, but it is at least a start.

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NextGen key to economic growth in New York

September 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment

In a move that signals that the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is key to economic growth in New York, the New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA), an organization representing the leadership of New York’s aviation industry, has joined the National Alliance for the Advancement of NextGen (NAANG), as have about a dozen of its members.

NYAMA’s participation in the group signals the strong support for improvements in air traffic systems by New York State aviation leaders, officials said. [Read more...]

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NextGen Institute meeting spotlights road ahead

September 25, 2012 by 1 Comment

The NextGen Institute, a U.S. government-private sector partnership, held its annual meeting in Washington, D.C.,  Sept. 21, where government officials and industry representatives gathered to highlight accomplishments in the development of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and to discuss the road ahead. A report at Rotor.com, the website of the Helicopter Association International, quotes Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari: “NextGen will affect the global aviation system for the better. NextGen is the United States’ chance to continue to lead the world in aviation.”

But the report continues, quoting former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, who noted that if the Jan. 2 sequestration process indeed happens, it would be a “blow at a very critical point” in the NextGen implementation program and “delay, diminish, and jack up the price” of equipage. Read the entire report here.

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ADS-B: Twice as nice

September 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment

This is the 12th in a series of articles looking at the impact of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) on GA pilots.

Are two systems better than one? For Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, the cornerstone of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), the answer is yes and no.

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GA already benefiting from NextGen

September 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment

General aviation is benefiting from changes to the switch to NextGen — think WAAS instrument approaches and T-routes — but the FAA needs to lay out a clear case for equipping aircraft with affordable systems to offer new benefits. That’s what the National Business Aviation Association’s Ed Bolen told a Congressional panel last week, according to a report at AOPA.org. “The FAA could alleviate lingering user uncertainty about costs and benefits of equipping aircraft early in the transition by laying out a clear case that firmly establishes system requirements, incentivizes early adoption, and provides accountability through the establishment of a comprehensive timeline and budget,” the report quotes Bolen.

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NextGen getting on track but problems persist

September 13, 2012 by 1 Comment

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After long delays and high cost overruns, development of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is starting to get back on track, but because of program problems, users of the system are reluctant to invest in equipment for their aircraft.

The FAA has been spending about $1 billion a year since the program was launched almost nine years ago. Expenditure for the completed project is forecast to be $20 billion to $27 billion, making it one of the largest single projects undertaken by the federal government.

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Status of NextGen focus of Congressional hearing

September 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Congressional hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 12, will examine the status — and delays — of the FAA’s  air traffic control modernization program known as the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen).

The Subcommittee on Aviation, chaired by U.S. Rep. Tom Petri (R-Wis.), will receive testimony from federal government and aviation industry witnesses regarding the management and status of NextGen. [Read more...]

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New online course: ADS-B for general aviation

September 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The AOPA Foundation’s Air Safety Institute has released a new free online course, “ADS-B for General Aviation: The Basics.”

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Harris Corp. awarded NextGen contract

August 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Harris Corp. has been awarded a 15-year, $291 million contract to provide the communications network that will serve as the cornerstone of NextGen — the FAA’s initiative to transform the U.S. air traffic control system.

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