Next Generation Air Transportation System - Term Paper Example

?Introduction For many years, aviation industry has slowly developed. Advancements in technology, organizational structure and operations took place at a slow rate, gradually improving safety as well as efficiency of operations within the industry to standards far beyond past generations of air travel. Each advancement made, slowly improved the accessibility of aviation, and therefore, developing the industry. Growth increase research, which results to technological improvement, which results to operational changes, which results to organizational improvements, resulting to growth beyond a point where what triggered the growth process cannot be identified. However, each improvement in the aviation industry has got a ripple effect that brings change all through the industry (Salas and Maurino, 2010). The demands for air travel have continued to grow, resulting to unprecedented growth within the industry. Growth in the aviation industry has resulted to an expanded workforce that has put pressure on aviation companies to reduce training period and quickly train qualified pilots (Salas and Maurino, 2010). At the same time, technological advancement is helping in implementation of highly complex, computerized systems that change the manner pilots and other personnel relate with other aircrafts. Similarly, there have been calls for broad improvements in traffic control system putting more pressure on industry professionals and researchers. All these influences, thus, have had a great impact on the industry and on the human factors. This present paper discusses the impact of NextGen will have on the human factors in the aviation industry. NextGen technology Despite program by Next Generation Air Traffic System (NextGen) being merely one of the many vehicles of transformation in aviation industry, presently, it stands for the most remarkable call for transformation in the aviation industry. As observed by john, NextGen (FAA) is similar to Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR), which was earlier on used in European countries (Salas and Maurino, 2010). NextGen represents a change from mainly a ground-based air control system to a system that uses satellite-based technology. The present weather, positioning and updated technology in communications offer pilots exceptional real-time updates when in the cockpit. Through the use of this new technology, the NextGen technology is bound to considerably improve service provision. For instance, projections by NextGen estimate that there is the need to reduce clogging in the air transports system of the US (FAA, 2007) NextGen has availed data equipment that has the ability to tap weather sources all over the airspace. This data has also enabled to provide accurate information on what lies ahead for any particular flight. This ability is also remarkably since aircrafts can access timely information from all dimensions (Salas and Maurino, 2010). The human factor through NextGen has totally overhauled earlier and outdated ways used by airspace bodies. This has significantly changed aviation sector since National Airspace System (NAS) of the US has managed to install better traffic loads. Moreover, it has also helped to project better means by reducing gridlock as well as maintaining safety in the aviation department. Essentials and Benefits Fundamental measures and improvements that NextGen has applied to refurbish human factor in the aviation sector include the inception of System Wide Information Management, Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, Next Generation Data Communications, Next NAS voice switch and Generation Enabled Weather. Through the use of, Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), NextGen (GPS) satellite signals offer efficient information to air controllers and pilots. Such information is much accurate and has increased aircraft safety through safe navigation in the sky. Besides, ground safety for airplanes has tremendously improved. In addition, NextGen has improved the human factor by fixing airplanes with special transceivers known as transponders that would enable them to communicate signals which would help to accurately determine the airplanes’ position as it navigates in the sky. Through NextGen technology, there is automatic and dependent surveillance-broadcast that enables data provision. This provided data is also transmitted to other aircraft besides being shared with other air traffic control systems. Moreover, immediately NextGen technologies have established this data, air controllers and pilots examine similar real-time data regarding all air traffic. This is because all data is displayed in their systems. Such new automatic and reliable technologies of surveillance-broadcast are coupled with GPS linked systems and has helped the aviation sector to become more efficient as well as decrease and prevent accidents in aviation. Moreover, NextGen has installed System Wide Information Management (SWIM) equipment. This (SWIM) provides information management system with a single infrastructure that helps in providing timely, exceptional and quality information to various users. With the introduction of SWIM, NextGen has revitalized and reduced the types and number of systems and interfaces therefore decreasing data redundancy. Through this equipment, NextGen will greatly improve and facilitate sharing of information by multiple-users. By introducing SWIM, NextGen would also enable and enhance other new ways of decision making because there will be easy access to information. With the inception of Next Generation Data Communications by NextGen, human factor in aviation has been significantly improved by way of communications between air traffic controllers and aircrew. Largely, since the inception of data communications NextGen has provided an exceptional two way means of communication for instructions, reports, flight crew, advisories and air traffic control clearances. There is also reliable data exchange between air traffic controllers which was previously done through voice communications. With the installation of Next Generation Data Communication, NextGen has enabled the human factor in the aviation sector to manage enormous exchanges of normal pilot-controller messages as well as clearances. Therefore, it is evident that this data link by NextGen has greatly improved performance and productivity while it has enhanced safety and capacity of human factor in aviation. The human factor in aviation has greatly been revitalized by NextGen technologies by introducing Next Generation Network Enabled Weather (NNEW). This has tremendously reduced earlier delays in the aviation activities. These delays were largely due to weather conditions. The objectives by NextGen’ to incept (NNEW) has reduced by half all delays that are attributed to poor weather. By installing thousands of sensor reports and global weather observations from both the ground-, airborne- and space-based NextGen has managed to merge countrywide weather information into a single source that provides real time updates. There is also a common weather chart offered by NNEW which has tangible details regarding the United States airspace system. This has greatly helped to enable better air transportation and decision making during navigation (FAA, 2007) According to earlier research, there were very few NVS across the United States. However, NextGen has managed to transform the aviation sector through installing NAS voice switch (NVS) in most places. NextGen has replaced all outdated NAS voice switch with new single ground to air and ground to ground voice communications system (NASA 2003). Benefits of Implementing NextGen Through the implementation of NextGen technologies, the human factor in aviation has received great improvements since most dispatchers and pilots are able to choose their most suitable and usually direct flight route. In addition, every single aircraft is able to receive and transmit accurate information. For instance, each aircraft has the ability to know when it is to cross key points along its route. Traffic managers who are on ground and Pilots in the airspace are also able to access similar information that is transmitted through data communications attached to their communication systems. NextGen technologies have also been able to meet the rising demand and the increasing capacity imbalances. This has been through its collaborative ability that has managed to link the flight operations operators and FAA air traffic managers. Another benefit by NextGen’ is the increased volume, capacity, and widespread dissemination of data by SWIM that has substantially advanced decision-making besides allowing greater participation of civil aviation authorities. Through using SWIM, NextGen provides better and superior forecasts with automation. Therefore, this provision has helped to reduce traffic restrictions and airspace limitations in the aviation sector (Jollabaq, 2009). These new and improved procedures by NextGen have greatly revitalized movement in airport surfaces. This is because it has helped to enhance and reduce spacing in airports. Besides, new technologies have revitalized management and the overall flow of aircrafts using the United States airspace through its provision of accurate information regarding all airports. Through this provision, NextGen technologies have managed to uncover the untapped potential throughout the entire system of NAS (Digital Opportunity, 2009). NextGen has exceptionally replaced outdated methods where ground controller used to pass over the strip to another local controller who then got the plane in the air with effective electronic ones. NextGen new technologies such as A.D.S.-B., has offered flight fixtures every second. This development has provided aircrews with the opportunity to digitally monitor progress as displayed in cockpits. NextGen installed electronic equipments have also offered controllers with recommendations regarding altitude, trajectory and course that helps to ensure the best possible and efficient smooth ride for aviators (Dillingham, 2007). Through this NextGen will also make planes reach the airport by the use of precision navigation despite bad weather condition. Challenges There are current and future challenges that NextGen is experiencing and will continue to experience. A challenge for NextGen now and in the future is whether it can accommodate the modern mobile workforce in the aviation sector operations. Perhaps NextGen technologies need to explore ways that can and will make aviation stakeholder to move flexibly between various locations during their careers. These flexibilities might bring considerable benefits to the individuals and NextGen through variety life and work experiences by skills and knowledge sharing programs. Another challenge is whether future systems and administrations will be able to maintain the spirit of ‘sharing’ and training of professionals, like engineers, air traffic controllers and system managers. Besides, other challenges are how such moves would be understood in accordance with salaries, pensions and maintenance of salary and conditions. Finally, there are concerns by NextGen on how far will the industry be willing to cooperate so as to retain its unique professionals (Dillingham, 2007). Conclusion Finally, by implementing NextGens’ air traffic systems, federal governments have installed the United States with GPS-linked ground stations. These new technologies have tremendously revitalized the aviation industry since an aircraft can find it easier to take of and land during poor weather conditions. An aircraft is also electronically guided on to safe tracks in the air besides leading multiple aircrafts at the same time to safe runways. However, an essential part of safety in aviation is through consistent improvement and installation of advanced equipment for use in the aviation industry. NextGens’ most integral effort is evident in its ongoing attempt to improve through installation of efficient equipments that enhance performance in the aviation sector. This needs to take into consideration a number of human factors for knowledge of improving flight safety. Furthermore, improving the safety in the aviation industry solely depends on improving and understanding the communication systems. This is to say that success for NextGen depends on its sufficient provision of communication through effective data systems. This should be necessitated by revitalizing the current aviation industry’s data scope which is limited due storing data regarding accidents only. In future the human contribution in refurbishing aviation sector will be required than ever so that the running of future aviation business would be made efficient and safe due to the involving of human component that is adaptive in the aviation system. References Digital Opportunity (2009): Next Generation technology to improve air traffic. http://www.digitalopportunity.org/news/next-generation-technology-to-improve- air-traffic/?searchterm= Dillingham, L (2007): Aviation and the Environment: NextGen and Research and Development: Diane Publishing FAA (2007): Fact Sheet: NextGen Federal Aviation Authority. Retrieved 21/07/2011. http//www.faa.gov/news/fact sheets/news story.cfm?newsid=8145. FAA (2009): Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen): Retrieved 21/07/2011.http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/: Jollabaq, R (2009): What The FAA Has In Store - The Future Of NextGen Tech In Aviation: Retrieved 21/07/2011 from: http://ezinearticles.com/?What-The-FAA- Has-In-Store---The-Future-Of-NextGen-Tech-In-Aviation&id=6336811 NASA (2003): Next Generation Air Transportation System: Retrieved 21/07/2011. http://science.larc.nasa.gov/asap/research-NextGenJPDO.html Salas, E & Maurino, D (2010): Human factors in aviation: (2nd ed.). New York: Academic Press United Sates Subcommittee on Aviation (2008): NextGen Technologies: Publisher: Diane Publishing Read More