DOT watchdog warns of uncertainties with key NextGen program

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DOT watchdog warns of uncertainties with key NextGen program

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Aviation International News | Aviation International News

By Sky Industry News

Jul 22, 2024

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is nearly three years behind schedule in deploying its Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) program. Costs for the program have risen by 20%, and airspace users may not see benefits until at least next year.

TFDM, a key component of the NextGen system, aims to enhance airport surface operations and air traffic control efficiencies. The system integrates flight, surveillance, and traffic management information and automates manual flight data processes, replacing paper flight strips with electronic ones to improve surface traffic flow management.

The FAA is currently testing and implementing TFDM capabilities at selected airports, introducing electronic flight strips and surface management tools. Despite these efforts, initial deployment has been delayed from January 2020 to October 2022, with full completion now expected in February 2030 instead of September 2028.

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The project’s cost has increased by $155 million—from $795 million to $950 million—leading the FAA to reduce deployment sites from 89 to 49. This reduction "increases the estimated cost per site while decreasing planned system consolidations and functionality," according to the DOT OIG.

Although major deployment sites are maintained, providing more than 90% of anticipated benefits, funding uncertainties could lead to further reductions in site numbers.

The DOT OIG projects that it will be at least 2025 before airspace users experience benefits such as fuel savings and reduced carbon emissions due to shorter taxi times and delays. The report also highlights risks related to system integration, airline participation, cybersecurity requirements, and ATC human factors and training.

"As a result of the deployment delays and implementation risks, it is uncertain when TFDM will provide full benefits for airspace users," stated the DOT OIG. "Additionally, the budget and schedule may change further, especially as FAA deploys TFDM to more complex sites. We are making recommendations to improve FAA’s TFDM program."

Recommendations from the DOT OIG include assessing a cost-saving measure by removing a data communication requirement for two-way interface between TFDM and Tower Data Link Services, evaluating human factors issues involved in implementation, and improving training protocols.

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