Warnings on NextGen Progress
Delays by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in implementing plans to modernize the National Airspace System could discourage the aviation industry from investing in the system, Calvin L. Scovel III, inspector general for the Department of Transportation (DOT), told Congress.
In testimony prepared for the House subcommittee on aviation, Scovel — whose office is responsible for oversight of all DOT programs — said the FAA faces three major challenges in implementing the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), which involves, in large part, the transition away from ground-based navigation aids in favor of a satellite-based system.
First, he cited the need for “timely execution” of key recommendations, adding, “The FAA has primarily focused its efforts on one of the most critical areas — improving airspace efficiency around major cities. However, it has not defined when users will benefit from the effort.
…
