FAA Demonstrates Satellite Capabilities For Air Traffic Management

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing [NYSE: BA] have completed final test demonstration flights over the Gulf of Mexico using satellites that could lead to increased operational efficiency, capacity and safety in remote or oceanic regions not covered by radar or controller-to-pilot radio communication.

The study is part of the global communications, navigation and surveillance system (GCNSS) program, jointly funded by Boeing and the FAA.

Utilizing space-based assets, the team was able to establish precision surveillance and control of the test airplane in a region of the Gulf of Mexico in which radar data and direct controller-to-pilot radio communication are unavailable. The team demonstrated two-way controller-pilot digital voice communications and data transmissions; automatic dependent surveillance via satellite; and an uninterrupted transition between radar and offshore/oceanic air traffic domains. In addition, traffic, weather and other data was shared via a secure network connecting multiple locations around the United States.