Avionics Magazine and standards-setting organization RTCA have teamed to present a one-day conference, "NowGen NEXT," Sept. 15 in Washington, D.C. The conference, featuring FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt as keynote speaker, will be the public unveiling of the recommendations of RTCA's NextGen Mid-Term Implementation Task Force.

The NextGen Task Force was formed in February at FAA's request to recommend a prioritized list of operational capabilities to achieve Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) efficiencies by 2018. Its final report is due Aug. 31.

An operational capability, as defined by the Task Force, is a process that moves an aircraft more efficiently during departure; allows for a preferred enroute trajectory; provides an optimum profile descent, approach and landing; and/or improves system flexibility in irregular operations. In its Interim Report released June 30, the Task Force said it will "deliver a short list of actionable recommendations that is long on detail," with associated costs, benefits and suggested implementation strategies. Each recommended capability will include one or more operators that have committed to making the necessary investments in equipment, training and procedures.

Among other FAA executives expected to speak are Henry P. Krawkowski, chief operating officer of the agency's Air Traffic Organization (ATO); Peggy Gilligan, deputy associate administrator for Aviation Safety; and Victoria Cox, ATO senior vice president for NextGen and Operations Planning. The task force leadership, led by Chairman Steve Dickson, senior vice president of flight operations with Delta Air Lines, will explain the recommendations in a series of presentations and panel discussions.

Bill Carey, editor of Avionics Magazine, and RTCA President Margaret T. Jenny, will serve as conference co-chairman. RTCA, formerly known as the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics, is a not-for-profit organization that develops "consensus-based" recommendations in the areas of Communications, Navigation and Surveillance. It has the status of a Federal Advisory Committee that FAA uses in developing policy and regulatory decisions.

For more information, visit: www.aviationtoday.com/rtca/