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This modernization effort will transform the
national air traffic system by transitioning
from a ground-based radar system to a
satellite-based surveillance system; developing
data communications capabilities between
aircraft and the ground to reduce controller and
pilot workload; improving aviation weather
forecasting and monitoring systems; and creating
shared and distributed information technology
architectures.
NextGen will also benefit many communities, as
well as passengers and operators, by reducing
the environmental impacts of aviation, providing
greater system efficiencies, and improving
safety.
The hearing will focus in part on concerns that
the FAA has not yet taken several steps required
by the FAA Modernization and Reform Act to
improve NextGen accountability, as well as a
recent Department of Transportation Inspector
General (DOT IG) report highlighting concerns
over delays in NextGen implementation.
Witnesses will include John D. Porcari, Deputy
Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation,
Michael P. Huerta, Acting Administrator, Federal
Aviation Administration, Calvin L. Scovel, III,
Inspector General, U.S. Department of
Transportation and Dr. Gerald Dillingham,
Director, Physical Infrastructure Division,
Government Accountability Office.
The panel will include
Sue
Baer, Director of Aviation, The Port Authority
of New York and New Jersey, Mr. David J. Barger,
President and CEO, JetBlue Airways, Ed Bolen,
President and CEO, National Business Aviation
Association and Paul Rinaldi, President,
National Air Traffic Controllers Association. |
