FAA Reauthorization Act: Progress and Challenges Implementing Various Provisions of the 2012 Act

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Abstract:

The U.S. air transportation system is the busiest and among the safest in the world. Even so, maintaining and improving the extraordinary level of connectivity and mobility the system affords us, and the safety record that has been achieved to date requires continued attention and effort. In the 2012 Act, Congress directed FAA to take various actions to improve the safety and efficiency of the current NAS while transitioning to NextGen. In addition, given the potential and opportunities afforded by new UAS technologies, the 2012 Act included several provisions with respect to FAA safely integrating UAS into the NAS. Based on work GAO has conducted for this Committee since the passage of the 2012 Act, this testimony discusses FAAs challenges and progress in 1 implementing NextGen, 2 improving aviation safety, and 3 integrating UAS into the national airspace system. This statement is drawn from several GAO reports completed since the 2012 Act, as well as additional reports from prior to the 2012 Act on these topics. To update information in those reports, GAO conducted interviews with officials from FAA and industry, and reviewed agency documents.

Author(s):
Dillingham, Gerald L.
Author Organization(s):
United States Government Accountability Office Washington United States
Descriptive Note:
Technical Report
Pagination:
0026

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release;

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
GAO-14-285T
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_4.7_Base and Installations Support; JCA_4.7.2_Installation Services; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_8.2.3_Build the Capabilities and Capacities of Partners and Institutions; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_5.6.3_Assess Achievement of Objectives; JCA_5.6_Monitor; JCA_1.4.2_Health Service Delivery; JCA_1.4_Force Support; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_4.3_Maintain; JCA_6.1_Information Transport
Modernization Areas:
Autonomy
Communities of Interest:
Autonomy
Descriptor(s):
aviation safety, unmanned aerial vehicles, air transportation, united states government, EFFICIENCY, unmanned aerial systems, air traffic control systems, air traffic, standards, congress, drones
Field(s)/Group(s):
Pilotless Aircraft, Commercial and General Aviation, Military Aircraft Operations, Sociology and Law
Keyword(s):
faa(federal aviation administration), nas(national airspace system), nextgen(next generation air transportation system), FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012
Report Date:
2014 Feb 05
Creation Date:
2020 Jun 23