Computer security experts worry that the Next Generation Air Transportation System, known as NextGen, is vulnerable to hackers. Reporters from NPR talk to one hacker who says he could place “ghost planes” in the system, essentially causing chaos. They quote him: “If you could introduce enough chaos into the system — for even an hour […]
NextGen
Avidyne joins MIT, FAA in ADS-B development program
Avidyne is working with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the FAA on the Airborne Traffic Situational Awareness with Alerts (TSAA) program for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). The FAA-funded TSAA program, valued at $4 million over three years, includes the prototyping and demonstration of hardware, along with the drafting of industry standards for conflict […]
Inspector General to assess NextGen progress
Is the FAA moving as it should in decisions and actions relating to the Next Generation Air Transportation System — NextGen — and if not, why not? That is what the office of Inspector General of the Department of Transportation will try to determine in an audit of the FAA’s progress on the program. The […]
Contract towers equal in safety, less in cost
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 250 air traffic control towers operated under contract to the FAA handle 28% of all operations, but cost only 14% of the budget, according to statements before an aviation subcommittee whose members expressed concerns about possible severe cuts in operations if the President’s threatened automatic budget sequester goes into effect in […]
Garmin introduces ADS-B lineup
Garmin has introduced a suite of certified and portable ADS-B solutions, providing options for any aircraft owner to satisfy the U.S. NextGen mandate for ADS-B Out and also gain access to the benefits of ADS-B In, including traffic and subscription-free weather information. “NextGen represents a significant opportunity for pilots to fly with greater safety, efficiency, […]
ADS-B’s two-for-one deal
By JEFFREY BOCCACCIO. This is the 11th in a series of articles looking at the impact of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) on GA pilots. Sounds like a sale doesn’t it? Well, not really. Instead, it’s a reference to the FAA’s decision as part of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) to […]
The transition to ADS-B
By JEFFREY BOCCACCIO. This is the tenth in a series of articles looking at the impact of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) on GA pilots. ADS-B is the system that literally allows NextGen to become “The Next NextGen.” It stands for Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast. But what does that all mean? Automatic: This basically […]
Controllers say realignment OK if they are part of plan
WASHINGTON, D.C — Congress is taking a look at the FAA’s plans and efforts to consolidate air traffic control facilities and the controllers’ union says it supports the changes, but only if safety, efficiency, and service are improved. Paul Rinaldi, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, told the House Aviation Subcommittee that facility […]
Hearing Thursday to examine FAA consolidation plan
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Congressional hearing on Thursday will examine the FAA’S efforts to consolidate air traffic control facilities to provide long-term cost savings and help U.S. aviation transition to the NextGen air traffic control system. The House Aviation Subcommittee will hear testimony from the FAA, the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG), […]