Air Traffic Control Facility Consolidation Strategies

摘要

The time for consolidation is now. The air traffic service hub combines airspace, breaks down current geographical and cultural barriers, harmonizes procedures and the use of the airspace, and reduces FAA's out-year costs. The initial benefit goes to the users of the NAS with the creation of the High-East and High-West hubs with the change in airspace design. Cost savings through consolidation of small TRACONS follows that, and then it is on to shifting from centers and terminals to hubs with reduced management, support and administrative staffing. What is needed are the following actions: 1. A stated policy by the FAA Administrator to start consolidation 2. A new policy on new facilities, especially towers 3. A commitment to begin the business case studies necessary to determine the roadmap for consolidation 4. Clear commitment to creating the surveillance data network and appropriate voice switching to reach from anywhere, to anywhere as the key enablers for consolidation.