NextGen in Aviation

NextGen is a system designed to change America’s air traffic control system by changing it from a ground based system to a GPS based system.  It is said that by doing so, it will shorten routes, save time and fuel, help prevent delays, and help controllers monitor aircraft more safely. Planes will also be able to fly closer to one another and avoid delays due to aircraft stacking. NextGen will be implemented between now present day and 2025.

            The impact NextGen will have on GA and Commerical aviation is faster more efficient timing in and out of airport. This will create less fuel burn, shorter flights, less delays, etc.  I think a downside would be, especially for GA, is that for the aircraft to partake in NextGen, they will need some major upgrades to their avionics to support this system.

            I think these fees and taxes should be optional.  A lot of GA flyers and owners will not be able to afford this whatsoever.  Main concerns of shorter flights and fuel savings will be interest of Commercial Aviation.  Big companies like Delta, American Airlines, etc. will be able to afford these and in the future save money from it.  I don’t think it should be applied towards taxes of the American public, our taxes are already too high as it is. NextGen won’t exactly affect my career as a pilot I feel like. It will help shorten flight and stress of delays which will be nice, but I don’t think it would effect my career as much as it would for an Air Traffic Controller.

Short Video and readings explaining how NextGen will work

http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/