GPS air-traffic control system to land in Florida

  • 2012-09-25
Michael Huerta, Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), along with representatives from JetBlue Airways announced on September 20 that a new air traffic control system based on GPS technology will be implemented in the immediate future at the Orlando, Florida airport, as well as Tampa and Miami airports - the two other busiest airports in the state.

The new GPS system, known as NextGen, will be replacing the perhaps outdated radar-based system. Huerta said that the radar system has a six-second delay in tracking aircraft, while NextGen operates in real-time. It will also enable air traffic control operators to see aircraft with greater precision and to track them through various kinds of terrain. The system was demonstrated by means of flight simulators by officials from JetBlue last Thursday at its facility near Orlando International Airport.

According to FAA officials, the implementation of NextGen is expected to save taxpayers across the nation an estimated $24bn and reduce delays at airports. Savings alone in Florida could mean 8 million fewer gallons of fuel used per year, as planes will be able to fly more direct routes, and 5.4 million fewer nautical miles traveled. Carbon emissions can also be reduced by 80,000 metric tons and save $23 million in fuel costs.

Buddy Dyer, the mayor of Orlando, is in full support of the new system with its goal to increase the efficiency of travel, which can make flying to Orlando and other destinations in Florida more attractive. It would be no surprise if the FAA were using poster printing and flyer printing as well as meetings with officials from the Orlando airport and the local government to inform them of the new system.