Puzzles are easier to solve when you have all the pieces: Fuel savings. Metric tons of CO2 emissions eliminated from the sky. Minutes shaved from thousands of flights. We have begun the arduous process of measuring these types of benefits and more. By merging the skies above major airports into precise, choreographed patterns of traffic we can operate our airspace in a more efficient manner. Find out how making all the pieces work together maximizes the benefits of NextGen. (www.faa.gov) More...
RESULTS IN BRIEF FAA’s multibillion dollar ERAM program has experienced software problems that have impacted the system’s ability to safely manage and separate aircraft. As a result of the delays at the key sites, FAA now projects that ERAM will be almost 4 years behind schedule, with an uncertain final completion date. If problems persist, cost increases could reach in excess of $500 million and interfere with program execution. FAA’s problems in advancing ERAM are attributable to a number of fundamental program management weaknesses that have impeded the Agency’s ability to effectively implement ERAM and effectively manage other major acquisitions. These weaknesses include (1) setting an unrealistic schedule, (2) allowing ERAM to successfully pass Government Acceptance even though testing at the Agency’s Technical Center was limited and could not replicate actual field conditions, (3) ignoring early warning signs of trouble, such as an unexpectedly high number of problem reports, and (4) a lack of attention toidentify, communicate, and fix ERAM’s problems. This was compounded by a management culture that was slow to fully acknowledge the extent of ERAM’s problems or communicate them to senior FAA management.
