Another Vote Of Confidence in Next-Gen Plan

The Aerospace Industries Association has applauded the release of the FAA's final rule mandating ADS-B out equipage by 2020. Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipage makes use of GPS signals via satellite to broadcast airspeed and location data to air traffic controllers and pilots.

"It represents a quantum leap forward over the current radar-based air traffic control system, and when the Next Generation Air Transportation System is fully operational, it will bring enormous economic and environmental benefits to the nation," said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey.

In order to defray the very significant cost of the new rule, AIA will continue to advocate financial incentives for operators to assist with the cost and to accelerate NextGen. "Implementation of the system could be accelerated by three to five years with incentives for equipage," said Blakey.

"Financial assistance to purchase mandated avionics equipment makes sense not only because the equipment is required airborne infrastructure for future aircraft separation, but also because it will take some time before commercial and general aviation operators receive the real benefits of their investment," said Blakey. "Moreover, since experts believe full implementation of NextGen will bring enormous economic and environmental benefits to all Americans, we should accelerate those benefits with financial assistance."

Independent studies and government agencies like the GAO have noted that accelerated deployment of ground and airborne infrastructure will bring early benefits which, in turn, will bring an early return on the government's investment. Earlier this week at its Spring Board of Governors meeting, AIA endorsed a strong, operator-supported financial incentive package for NextGen avionics equipment.

The Future of Aviation Advisory Council was recently formed by Transportation Secretary LaHood to come up with recommendations to help strengthen our nation's civil aviation industry. This body is an excellent venue to explore innovative funding ideas to accelerate NextGen: it has senior industry representation from labor, airports, operators and manufacturers.

"AIA and its nearly 300 members look forward to working with the rest of the industry and the Transportation Department to make the safest, most efficient air transportation system in the world even better," Blakey said.

FMI: www.aia-aerospace.org, www.faa.gov