2013 NextGen Ahead Conference Program
Last updated: June 7, 2013
DAY ONE – Monday, September 9, 2013 |
|
12:00 p.m. | Registration Opens |
1:00 p.m. | Interactive Workshops A: |
|
A-1. GPS Interference & Security With wider usage of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, so have increased reports of signal interference and jamming, regardless of ill intent or not. Because GPS is a key element of air traffic modernization, the vulnerability of GPS networks must be protected. This workshop will delve into:
|
|
A-2. Finding the Balance on Mixed Equipage To successfully maximize NextGen, the there must be a critical mass of required equipage that has seamlessly integrated the range of avionics for communication, navigation, and surveillance. However, there continues to be challenges and hindrances as the dynamics of aircraft mixed equipage continue to shift. Even when aircraft have similar capabilities, differences in operational approvals (RNP AR, RNAV Visuals, etc.) make flights appear dissimilar.
|
2:30 p.m. | Break |
3:00 p.m. | Interactive Workshops B: |
|
B-1. Changing Roles of NextGen Funding & Financing With sequestration in full effect, traditional funding and financing options will have to be changed drastically for the continuation of NextGen programs. The “what” has been determined, the next question is “how” on the dramatic cause of cost on equipage and implementation. In the rationalization of NG capital investments, which are more constrained than others? What are updates on the opportunities and challenges of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), as well as alternative FAA funding strategies?
|
|
B-2. Tablets in the Cockpit If you’re ready to ride the “tablet” wave to improve productivity, then the rationale for this technology investment must clearly reflect cost-value benefits, as well as the strategies for implementation and integration carefully evaluated and designed.
|
4:30 p.m. | Workshops Conclude |
5:30 p.m. | Conclusion of Day One |
| DAY TWO – Tuesday, September 10, 2013 | |
8:00 a.m. | Networking Breakfast Registration Opens |
8:30 a.m. | Welcome Remarks |
8:45 a.m. | Congressional Address |
9:00 a.m. |
Keynote Address
|
9:30a.m. | The Realistic Landscape of NextGen
|
10:15 a.m. | Break |
10:30 a.m. | Where is NextGen in the Fiscal Budget? Now that sequestration has become a reality, where does NextGen fit into the bigger picture, from a national effort? What are the short-term outcomes and benefits? What will the priorities be in the next 3-5 years? What are the winning capabilities, and which are the losing programs? How will the Hill prioritize air transportation modernization within the fiscal budget?
|
11:15 a.m. | The International Aspect: Thinking Globally, Planning Regionally and Acting Locally How does the progress of US air traffic modernization program compare with other regions? Which regional planning forums are making a difference, and why? What is the importance of globally-agreed metrics? ICAO will provide a summary of known international ATM improvement programs in progress, as well as a status report on the global implementation of Aviation System Block Upgrade (ASBU) Block 1, its standards development and next steps.
|
11:40 a.m. |
RTCA Update
|
12:00 p.m. | Lunch Aviation Week & Space Technology Distinguished Service Award Presentation by the Flight Safety Foundation This award is administered by the Flight Safety Foundation and has been presented since 1949 for “distinguished service in achieving safer utilization of aircraft.”
|
2:00 p.m. | NextGen Dashboard – What are the Metrics Telling Us? FAA, partnered with MITRE, developed the NextGen Dashboard to provide a transparent analysis of necessary data for recommendations, prioritization, and assessments on NextGen capabilities. Hear the latest results of the dashboard. What conclusions are coming from the collected data? What are past conclusions, and how have they shaped current considerations and decisions? What measurable benefits have been achieved? |
2:45 p.m. | Collaboration/Communication between Ground and Air With the full integration of the air traffic system, including cockpit and ground automation, what factors must be considered to develop efficient procedures? Current existing NextGen procedures are in place but not being fully utilized. What are the pitfalls and challenges on ground-air communication and collaboration, and how can they be overcome? What are latest developments in air-ground automation integrated concepts?
|
3:30 p.m. | Break |
4:00 p.m. | Updates on Optimization of the Airspace and Procedures in the Metroplex (OAPM) With more “active” metroplex areas, such as Houston, LA and San Francisco, what are the challenges and hurdles on connectivity between these regions? What are the deliberations on incorporating approved NextGen procedures and programs, such as SWIM and Reduced Separation Criteria/Management? Hear the latest on lessons learned, strategies, progress, and future plans on metroplex efforts.
|
4:45 p.m. | Closing Keynote Panel – FAA Back by popular demand, a distinguished panel of FAA executives candidly discusses the ability of FAA to adapt and support in the new budget environment for FY2013-2014. These key speakers provide a comprehensive perspective on priorities, programs and going-forward initiatives. |
5:30 p.m. | Cocktail & Networking Reception |
6:30 p.m. | Close of Day Two |
DAY THREE – Wednesday, September 11, 2013 |
|
8:00 a.m. | Registration Opens Networking Breakfast |
8:30 a.m. | Concurrent Discussions: These sessions are designed for executives to discover creative concepts, and stimulate discussions to challenge all stakeholders, public and private, in moving NextGen forward. Each session will begin with a realistic updates featuring quantitative data and latest metrics on procedures/programs. Discussions will focus on pertinent issues, as well as innovative and different approaches to leveraging existing processes. |
|
C-1. ADS-B
|
|
C-2. PBN
|
9:30 a.m. | Break |
9:45 a.m. | Concurrent Discussions: |
|
D-1. Data-Comm With the Data Communications Integrated Services (DCIS) contract awarded and the Memphis trial started earlier this year, how will the Data-Comm program change the operational landscape?
|
|
D-2. Environmental Impact on NextGen Although it is known that NextGen initiatives are significant to reducing emissions, communities near airports are concerned by increased levels of aircraft noise. These issues are impeding abilities to implement NextGen operational procedures, such as PBN. This barrier was not part of the original implementation plan, and as the first checkpoint in the FAA NextGen Implementation Plan is approaching, how are these un-foreseen obstacles changing the progress?
|
10:45 a.m. | Break |
11:00 a.m. | Concurrent Discussions: |
|
E-1. UAS Integration & Implications Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) integration presents a unique challenge to the National Airspace System (NAS), as these vehicles are being incorporated during the transition to a GPS-based system in NextGen.
|
|
E-2. SAT-COMM Satellite-based voice and data communication tools are being equipped on aircraft at increased rates to prepare for the launch of Iridium NEXT satellites. Driven by developing commercial satellite broadband capability, VOIP, ATC consolidation desires, how will advanced ATC voice and data communications be defined?
|
12:00 p.m. | 2013 NextGen Ahead conference concludes |

