Recognizing that modernization of the National airspace system must be accelerated to accommodate aviation growth, the Federal Aviation Administration, in partnership with the aviation industry, has initiated Flight 2000, a real-world implementation of advanced communications, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management capabilities.
Flight 2000 is a precursor of Free Flight, an evolutionary air traffic management concept that will greatly increase user flexibility to plan and fly their preferred routes. Flight 2000 transfers the Free Flight concept to a real operational setting and gives the FAA an opportunity to conduct a complete operational system evaluation prior to NAS-wide deployment.
At the center of Flight 2000 is the integration of information via digital communications, navigation satellites, automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts, weather processors, cockpit displays, air traffic control and flight planning tools for the safe planning and efficient execution of all phases of flight.
Approximately 2000 aircraft will be equipped with compatible on-board avionics for evaluation in Hawaii and Alaska. Both were selected as evaluation sites because of their unique features. In the FAA's Air Route Traffic Control Center in Oakland, California, the oceanic conflict probe and data communications will be improved and evaluated.
Flight 2000 provides the opportunity to evaluate several user benefits, including overall enhancements in safety and efficiency as a result of improved flight planning, more efficient and safer surface movement, reduced fuel consumption and operating costs, reduced passenger delays, and avoidance of bad weather, aircraft, and mountainous terrain.
Flight 2000 presents a unique opportunity for users, operators, and the entire aviation industry to participate in developing and deploying the future NAS. This partnership is made possible by a Flight 2000 steering group comprised of FAA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and industry representatives who provide high-level guidance.
