Making the Case for NextGen Concepts—Using the FAA Benefit-Cost Analysis Methodology

Abstract

Most of the NextGen concepts being developed under NASA’s research program would be applicable at many different airports. However, the benefits and costs associated with these concepts cannot be assumed to apply for all airports, as each airport has unique layout, operating procedures, capacity constraints, and traffic levels. Moreover, the NASA concepts address specific procedures and conditions that exist only at certain airports. To address this gap, NASA undertook this research to conduct a benefit-cost analysis of two of its concepts and technologies at specific airports using the 11-step process outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Benefit-Cost Analysis Guidance (FAA BCA Guidance). The FAA BCA Guidance follows conventional cost-benefit analysis principles and procedures and is designed for evaluation of major capital and operational improvements where benefits and costs are incurred primarily at a single airport. The two concepts selected, which are currently being developed for transition to the FAA, are Precision Departure Release Capability (PDRC) and Runway Configuration Management (RCM). Detailed simulations representing the concept were developed using a state-of-the-art, fast time airfield and airspace simulation model. The methodology outlined in the FAA BCA Guidance was followed as closely as possible in this analysis, but was adjusted as necessary to reflect the unique challenges of accounting the costs and benefits of developing each concept in a NASA research environment. The results indicated both concepts would be economically justified using this methodology.