scope:

INTRODUCTION

This document provides an evolutionary concept of operations for the National Airspace System (NAS) in the United States. It is intended to identify the needs and requirements of NAS users and service providers and to serve as the basis for an incremental and a benefits-driven approach toward a modern Air Traffic Management (ATM) system.

A modern ATM system uses advanced information technology available today (e.g., satellite navigation, digital communication, and computer decision support systems (DSS)) to increase airspace capacity, improve aviation safety, and increase the operational efficiency for aircraft operators and service providers alike. It is also intended to form the basis upon which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the user community plan procedural, investment, and architectural decisions. These decisions result in the operational capabilities needed to achieve an ATM system that meets the needs of 21^st century aviation. This concept represents the results of government and industry collaboration and consensus under the auspices of the Free Flight Steering Committee. Representatives of the aviation community, including the FAA, commercial airlines, general aviation, business aviation, Department of Defense (DoD), pilots, and service providers, among others, participated in the development of this concept of operations. Within the FAA, it represents the work of Air Traffic Services, with support from the organizations of the Associate Administrators for Certification & Regulation, Commercial Space Transportation, Research & Acquisition, and labor organizations. It supercedes the NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM Concept of Operations, dated December 13, 2000 [1].

This concept of operations reflects the continued migration of the NAS from a system that uses a ground-based infrastructure to one that encompasses both ground-based and airborne systems. The development of a coherent strategy for the entire NAS requires participation by the entire aviation community including the FAA, the DoD, airlines, general aviation, pilots, and service providers, among others. The participation of numerous FAA organizations and airspace users in the development of this concept demonstrates recognition of the need to ensure that government and industry technology development and implementation programs are clearly defined and coordinated early in the concept formulation process.