NBAA to Host Webinar Oct. 8 on NextGen DataComm

Oct. 3, 2014

Data communications improvements stemming from NextGen, the FAA’s next-generation air transportation system, will be the focus of a webinar NBAA is hosting on Oct. 8 at 1:30 p.m. (EDT).

The free, one-hour live presentation, sponsored by Jeppesen, will address the global shift currently underway in operational information management. The DataComm aspect of NextGen will reduce controller-to-pilot voice communication by enabling air-to-ground and ground-to-ground communications capabilities – enhancements that will help speed route clearances and airport turnarounds, especially in cases of poor weather conditions or other disruptions.

The webinar will be conducted by Rob Mead, industry co-chair of the FAA’s DataComm Implementation Team, and chief program engineer for air-ground datacomm, Boeing Research & Technology, Airspace and Operational Efficiency. Jeppesen’s Nima Barraci and Jonathan Tree will also be on hand to explain the benefits and impact of NextGen’s enhanced air traffic management for business aviation operators.

“The ongoing implementation of NextGen technology presents a valuable opportunity for NBAA to provide continuing education and training to our members,” said Jo Damato, NBAA’s director of educational development and strategy. “We’re excited to partner with Jeppesen for this event that makes online learning accessible to business aviation operators wherever they are based.”

The webinar will consist of a NextGen overview, a detailed explanation of the Future Air Navigational System-1/A (FANS-1/A) departure clearance (DCL) trials and rollout to come in 2015 and beyond, information on deployment dates and equipage needs and a question-and-answer session.

“When you look at NextGen as a whole, DataComm is the cornerstone of it all,” said Mead. “The benefits of DCL will help both equipped and non-equipped operators. With integrated datalink, you can do complex things to deal with complex problems.”

The FAA’s DCL tower services trials at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Memphis international Airport (MEM) have successfully validated the program, with some 12,000 eligible flights in the past six months, Mead said. The operator of a Bombardier Global 5000 equipped with Pro Line Fusion avionics currently is working with Rockwell Collins and the FAA regarding potential engagement in the Newark trials.

The DataComm program’s next steps will be operational deployment of tower services to 56 airports, beginning with Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in June 2015, then phasing in en-route services starting in 2019.