National Airspace System Plan: Facilities, Equipment, Associated Development and Other Capital Needs
Abstract
The National Airspace System (NAS) is the busiest and most complex in the world. It is a mixture of equipment, techniques, and skills that has evolved over 50 years. Without question, it is the world's safest and most efficient, yet, at the outset of this Plan, its expansion capability was limited and adaptability to changing requirements was difficult. Aviation activity is forecast to increase substantially over the next two decades. Continuing growth in the number of aircraft operations, number of aircraft, enplanements, diversity of operations, DOD operations and sophistication of aircraft will place unprecedented demands on the NAS. Meeting this challenge requires improved and expanded services, additional facilities and equipment, improved work force productivity, and the orderly replacement of aging equipment. In December, 1981, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chartered a comprehensive NAS Plan for modernizing and improving air traffic control and airway facilities services through the year 2000. This is the seventh annual update of the NAS Plan. The Plan addresses the compelling problems of how best to improve safety and efficiency, accommodate spiraling demands for aviation services, deal with the problems of aging or obsolete facilities, recognize the users desires for minimal restrictions on the use of the airspace, allow for a reduced Federal role, and create a foundation for continued evolution which exploits newer technologies and developments obtained through continuing research. (kr)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215882
Entities
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration