Contributor - Accidents and Regulations

Contributor - Accidents and Regulations

Gordon Gilbert

A newly released <a href="https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/library-items/NextGen%20Capstone%20Memo_9-29-25.pdf">Capstone Memorandum report</a> from the U.S. DOT Office of Inspector General (OIG) analyzes what it considers the successes and failures of the FAA’s planned NextGen air traffic control (ATC) modernization program. That program, launched more than 20 years ago, is officially being scrapped in favor of a new ATC infrastructure <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-08-29/faa-solicits-integrator-proposals-atc-modernization">modernization program</a> proposed by the Trump Administration.&nbsp;
Launched in 2003, NextGen was one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in U.S. history—an estimated $36 billion effort to modernize the nation’s aging air transportation system. Since 2006, OIG has issued 50 reports addressing NextGen and related programs and made more than 200 recommendations to improve FAA management and execution of NextGen programs, coordination with stakeholders, analysis of benefits, and more.
The memorandum outlines the background of each delay or failure in reaching equipment and other program milestones and the associated cost overruns. However, the FAA maintains that NextGen “is still expected to deliver a positive return on investment to taxpayers, returning between $36 and $63 billion in projected benefits by 2040, in return for the $15 billion spent so far.”
Nevertheless, the FAA’s efforts have not delivered the vision of a transformed and modernized ATC system, the OIG concluded. “As such, there are a number of key lessons learned from more than two decades of NextGen planning, development, and implementation that the FAA can leverage to benefit future modernization efforts,” the report says.
As the FAA works to plan and implement the new ATC system, “leveraging these lessons can help the FAA set stakeholder expectations, secure additional industry investment, and continue to make progress in improving the efficiency of the NAS,” it concludes.

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

DOT OIG Report Highlights FAA’s Hits and Misses on NextGen ATC Upgrade

Program fails to transform the U.S. ATC system, but FAA says benefits still exceed the costs

A U.S. DOT Office of Inspector General report analyzes what it considers the successes and failures of the FAA’s NextGen ATC modernization program.

Report Highlights FAA’s Hits and Misses on NextGen

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

FAA is streamlining procedures for rapid program development

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News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Agency on pace for 8,900 hires through 2028

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Jessica Reed

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Adacel Technologies partners with Smart Eye to enhance MaxSim air traffic control simulation

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New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

FAA reauthorization bill directs FAA to move forward on testing and operational approval

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Matt Thurber

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

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