Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 87

dependence on ground-based infrastructure. Enhancements
are designed to eliminate this dependence, transitioning
away from the traditional ILS.
Surface Operations. Detailed position-finding capabilities
also already exist. Adoption of new technologies like NextGenaware braking systems, which would help crews minimize onrunway times by identifying assigned runway exit points, is yet
to come.
ATM Efficiencies. Enhanced, airborne weather sensors,
coupled with data communications, will provide ground-based
systems much-needed performance data, leading to direct and
indirect air-traffic management benefits and capabilities for all
stakeholders.
While ADS-B Out requirements are set for 2020, implementation plans for NextGen’s more advanced avionics capabilities
aren’t accompanied by detailed schedules. Instead, the 20202025 timeframe is listed as a nominal target date with full deployment anticipated to follow. All of this presumes, according
to the Roadmap, adequate and timely funding to meet projected
timelines: “Stable and continuous funding streams are essential
to timely NextGen implementation,” it stated.
The Bottom Line?
Where does all this leave the avionics industry? Mainly in
wait-and-see mode, at least as far as NextGen’s advanced avi-

onics capabilities are concerned. The ADS-B program and both
its In and Out flavors could be thought of as the necessary foundation on which planned advancements will be based. And the
avionics industry is well along in bringing to market new products ensuring compliance with the 2020 deadline and leveraging
ADS-B’s capabilities. Meanwhile, the JPDO stresses budgetary
commitments and international harmonization will be necessary
before the “gee-whiz” programs – those requiring advanced avionics capabilities – can be implemented.
In the near-term, it appears much of NextGen’s implementation will be focused on the ground-based infrastructure necessary to realize its promised efficiencies and safety enhancements. While there is clear progress in implementing the systems underlying its advanced capabilities, the vast majority of
the work remains unfinished, with some target dates already
having been extended. But technological advances beyond
NextGen’s planned architecture won’t wait. As delays are encountered, NextGen’s core systems may be supplanted by
emerging technologies, as was the case with MLS.
The avionics manufacturer or installer hoping to capitalize on
NextGen’s advanced capabilities – those exceeding the current
standards for ADS-B In and Out – would do well to closely monitor the program’s progress before making substantial investments in new technologies or products. Just ask yourself: How
many MLS receivers are in use today? q

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Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014

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