The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees the safety and efficiency of more than 45,000 flights daily, relying on a vast network of air traffic control (ATC) systems to manage navigation, surveillance, weather monitoring, and communications. However, these critical systems have aged considerably, and efforts to modernize air traffic management—most notably through the multi-billion-dollar NextGen initiative—have faced persistent challenges. With airspace expected to become increasingly congested and complex, addressing these modernization hurdles is more urgent than ever. This book examines the obstacles, policy debates, and reform efforts surrounding ATC modernization, offering insights into the future of aviation safety and air traffic control.
