At the crossroads in air-traffic control II. The view from the ground-instrument-landing systems, automated ground control, en route automation, introduction to collision-avoidance systems, positive-control airspace, improved communications, STOLports, and terminal navigational aids

Abstract

Last February, the U.S. Congress authorized the FAA to spend initially $2.5 billion for the improvement of ATC equipment. This sum reportedly includes $1.7 billion for new electronic systems. The appropriation is part of a $5 billion trust fund package for airways and airport development that is now being hammered out by a joint Senate and House conference committee. A large percentage of the total appropriation will be expended on additional en route ATC sectors, terminal area automation, en route navigational systems, and improved UHF and VHF communications channels. In addition, collision-avoidance systems (CAS), instrument-landing systems (ILS), and automatic weather-sensing equipment will either be further developed or installed. The first installment of this three-part series dealt primarily with the functions of the ARTS installations and the Common IFR Room in the New York terminal area. In this piece, we will examine other systems and aspects of the FAA's plans for the present decade.