Air Traffic Control Modernization

Management Challenges Associated with Program Costs and Schedules Could Hinder NextGen Implementation

This paper discusses the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), which aims to implement a satellite-based air traffic management system that will replace the current radar-based system in the US. The project is being implemented by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) partnering with other federal agencies and the aviation industry and is expected to enhance the safety and capacity of the air transport system by 2025. This report aims to determine (1) how, if at all, costs and schedules of FAA ATC acquisitions programs have changed since they were first submitted to Congress, (2) the reasons for any such changes, and (3) the extent that selected ATC programs adhere to cost and schedule best practices.

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