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Explaining air-traffic backups/delays
In response to some questions raised on my previous squawk linking my recent CNN piece about aircraft spacing, I'd like to share this article that goes more into detail with regards to delays and why they happen. I plan on delving even deeper into this subject with FlightAware in the near future. I know there is a lot of curiosity with this topic. Thanks for reading. (www.cnn.com) Más...Daniel Fahl Escritor del staff
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Terrific article Daniel. Thanks for sharing. Keep 'em coming!
Richard - The antiquated system that ATC works with is a hot topic amongst all aviation professionals. The proposed NextGen ATC system would increase efficiency immensely, but it is costly. There are hoops to jump through to justify such an expense at a time when our national budget is being squeezed so tightly. I could easily write a book on all of the issues and topics that come about with regards to the national airspace system. The articles that I write for CNN are heavily limited in word count to around 600 words or less. I cannot squeeze everything that I would ideally like to discuss into one article. I'm also not in the business of pointing fingers, as these issues are so complex that there is always more to the story than you and I will ever know. My goal is to educate the flying public on the current plight of the air traffic system. When the next wave of technology comes about, I will surely discuss it then.
Completely understood, Daniel. The budget constraint argument wears thin when we consider the amount we pay in fuel taxes to the Aviation Trust Fund. That money is, in theory, designated for maintenance and upgrade of the Aviatiion infrastructure. The ATC system is part of that. However, that money is hoarded by the a few non-appointed, non-accountable, senior managers at FAA. These people make a career out of studying the problem, not solving it. NextGen may help, but the best way to solve the problem is for Congress to man up and call the individuals in question on to the carpet. If they felt threatened, we'd have NextGen tomorrow.
You do a great job of explaining the system to the public. Keep up the good work.
You do a great job of explaining the system to the public. Keep up the good work.
Very informative article.
The fact that the USA has an antiquated ATC system was not mentioned. The fact that ATC controllers are trained to protect airspace without regard to the amount of traffic flowing through it was not mentioned. This is not an attack on individual controllers. The Washington nest sitters at the FAA run little fiefdoms that could care less about the problems in the field, as long as their kingdoms remain in tact. Now, let's hear from someone that says I'm wrong.
I'm not going as far to say that your wrong but would like to know what you meant by stating: "The fact that ATC controllers are trained to protect airspace without regard to the amount of traffic flowing through it was not mentioned".
Also, do you feel that NextGen will greatly improve the antiquated ATC system or is it a waste?
Also, do you feel that NextGen will greatly improve the antiquated ATC system or is it a waste?
For example, an arrival for PHX is brought down from cruise to FL240 as far as 300nm out to accommodate flow to LAX. Are you going to defend the fact that is necessary? I've had it explained to me by center supervisors that it's necessary to protect the LAX flow, whether or not an aircraft is there, to make it easier for the controller. Gee, I thought it was all about flowing the aircraft, not keeping the controllers heartrate down.
From a NextGen approach, I really can't speak, but it will have to be an improvement.
From a NextGen approach, I really can't speak, but it will have to be an improvement.
Richard, isn't the descend to FL240 also done for safety of flight?
No. It's done to protect the airspace for an arrival flow to LAX. If an aircraft is safe at FL410, why would it be necessary to descend nearly 200NM before the arriving at the top of descent point of the profile? Answer- to protect the flow route for LAX whether or not another aircraft is using it. The result is millions of gallons of fuel wasted so that controllers don't have to make a phone call. I use the PHX/LAX example as one of many such problems that exist all over the country.