Dynamics of Air Transportation System Transition and Implications for ADS-B Equipage

Abstract

The U.S. Air Transportation Systems faces substantial challenges in transforming to meet future demand. These challenges need to be understood and addressed in order to successfully meet future system needs. This paper uses a feedback model to describe the general system transition process and identify key issues in the dynamics of system transition, with particular emphasis on stakeholder cost-benefit dynamics and safety approval processes. Finally, in addition to identifying dynamics and barriers to change the paper proposes methods for enabling transition through the use of levers such as incentives, mandates, and infrastructure development. The implementation of ADS-B is studied as a pathfinding technology for planned Air Transportation System changes. The paper states that overcoming stakeholder barriers and ensuring efficient safety approval and certification process are the key enablers to the successful implementation of ADS-B.