FAA Releases NextGen Update

FAA on Jan. 30 released an update to its NextGen Implementation Plan, defining the core set of avionics that will support NextGen operational capabilities deployed by 2018.

The updated plan contains high-level “governing principles” for an integrated avionics equipage strategy taking advantage of operational capabilities in the 2012-2018 time frame, considered mid-term in the evolution to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). The strategy centers on equipping for three core capabilities — Area Navigation (RNAV)/Required Navigation Performance (RNP), Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Data Communications.

Among specific “avionics enablers,” FAA says standards will be published in 2010 for Cockpit Displays of Traffic Information (CDTI) with receive capability in 1090ES or UAT; in 2011 for CDTI with alerting capability for maintaining desired spacing; in 2012 for ADS-B Guidance Displays for along-track guidance; in 2012 for Ground-Based Augmentation System, CAT II/III; in 2014 for Data Communications based on RTCA SC-214; and for Paired Approach Guidance, which builds on the ADS-B guidance display to address wake vortex and collision risk.