ATC Issues & Procedures
The National Airspace System (NAS) is continuously being updated and changed in order to improve system efficiency. NBAA supports the continued transition to a future aviation system that is satellite-based rather than today’s ground-based navigation system, and will continue to play an active role representing the needs of general aviation in the technical and regulatory evolution of a Next Generation (NextGen) aviation system.
In addition to these changes, there are certain areas of the NAS where special attention is warranted and where special procedures are required due to persistent traffic volume issues, seasonal increases in volume, or other factors.
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NOTAM Realignment
The FAA is modernizing the NOTAM system to improve the quality of NOTAMs, provide enhanced filtering and sorting of data, and to conform with ICAO standards. NOTAM Realignment is one of the first steps toward the FAA’s NextGen system.
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Flight Plan Filing
In order to take full advantage of RNAV equipment and procedures, operators need to properly file an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) flight plan even for U.S. domestic flights. This will allow the automatic assignment of RNAV Standard Instrument Departures (SID), Standard Terminal Arrivals (STAR) and preferential routes.
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New York Metro Airspace Overview
The airspace in and around the New York City metro area is the most congested and complex airspace in the NAS. Learn more the area airports, common departure and arrival issues, and the route issues encountered in the New York metro airspace.
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Wind Routes
In April 2010, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a new set of routes for traffic headed from the Western United States into the New York City metro area that could be used by air traffic control (ATC).
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Winter Snowbird Traffic and VACAPES Airspace
During certain times of the year, particularly during the winter, seasonal traffic between the northeastern US and Florida increases dramatically. Offshore radar routes, and in some cases the Virginia Capes Operating Area (VACAPES), can be used to reduce congestion.
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Communications with Air Traffic Control
Clear concise communication between flight crews and air traffic controllers is absolutely essential. Learn about requirements and best practices for communications with ATC.
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Rocky Mountain Area Special Traffic Management Program
The Rocky Mountain Area STMP is run annually from mid-December until early January, and again during Presidents Day weekend in February, to control the IFR arrival rates into Aspen-Pitkin County/Sardy Field (ASE), Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) and Rifle/Garfield County Field Airport (RIL).
FAA Changes Wake Turbulence Separation Minima for Certain Parallel Runway Operations
May 10, 2013
Since 2006 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been working to develop a safe wake mitigation procedure that allows reduced wake turbulence separation during certain operations from closely-spaced parallel runways.
Comprehensive analysis of wake turbulence has shown that sufficient crosswinds on parallel runways can allow for the elimination of departure wake separation minima.
Starting Wednesday, May 15, the FAA will roll out a one-year demonstration of the Wake Turbulence Mitigation for Departures (WTMD) system at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), followed by Houston International (IAH) on May 20 and then Memphis International (MEM) in August.
Winds must be favorable to the runway configuration and visual meteorological conditions must prevail in order for WTMD to be enabled. WTMD use will be broadcast over the ATIS, and pilots will have the option to request longer separation times if needed.
Pilots operating at these demonstration airports should familiarize themselves with InFO 13006 as well as WTMD operations. Additional information on WTMD can be found in FAA Order JO 7110.316.
Pilots Need to Prepare for Procedural Changes on Standard Instrument Departures
June 25, 2012
Changes are on the horizon that will affect pilots flying instrument departures and arrivals. Following years of discussion, the new "Climb Via" instruction for standard instrument departures (SIDs) is scheduled to go live on Aug. 15. It mirrors the similar "Descend Via" instruction already being issued for standard terminal arrival route procedures. Learn More.
