FAA to Modernize Six Florida Airports with Satellite ATC System
By Jeffrey Hill | September 21, 2012
[Satellite TODAY 09-21-12] The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has unveiled a program to modernize approaches and descents to six Florida airports as part of its transition to a satellite-based NextGen ATC system, the FAA confirmed Sept. 21.
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said the Florida program is based on Performance Based Navigation (PBN) procedures that will enable “pilots to fly aircraft using satellite coverage or by utilizing the onboard flight management system. PBN allows shorter, more direct routes that reduce flight time and fuel consumption, and result in fewer carbon emissions.”
The program’s partners include the National Air Traffic Controllers union, JetBlue, American Airlines, U.S. Airways and NetJets.
“More direct routings and tighter descents into the Florida airports will save 8 million gallons of fuel annually, which equates to a reduction in carbon emissions by nearly 80,000 metric tons and an estimated $23 million saved in fuel costs,” Huerta said in a statement.