3.2 NextGen Air Traffic System and Airport Operations Discussion Overview Historically, airports did not have the responsibility or authority to purchase, install, maintain, or operate the air navigational aids essential to the National Air Transportation System. Recognition for the need to transform aging and failing equipment into the failsafe system of the future is globally understood. To say the undertaking is complex is an understatement and it is becoming more and more evident that every sector of the aviation industry will need to work together to sustain our unified flight into the future. Many navigational aids are located on or near airports and require airspace to be protected for approaches and landings, instrument landing systems critical areas free from obstructions that could Hi interfere with signal transmissions, and the scarce resource of radio frequencies remain available for air navigation operations. Newer global satellite systems are replacing many antiquated ground-based navigational systems; however, the risk of satellite signal disruption remains a concern. Forward-thinking planners recommend building redundancies and flexibilities into the new systems. Careful risk management analysis, holistic assessment of the evolution of sustainable aviation business models, and innovative financing are key to minimizing risks associated with such a large undertaking. Airport managers are ultimately responsible for the safety of all operations at the airport and should not divest themselves of these responsibilities, even if governmental assistance is not promptly available or aligned with the airport's strategic vision plans. Use the Hunt Library and other governmental and recognized aviation associations and organizational sources to develop a description of your best understanding of the National Air Navigation Systems, current and future threats presented, and future obstacles that may keep airport managers awake at night. Post & Engage Post a discussion describing, in your own words, the National Air Navigation Systems, current and future threats presented, and future obstacles to a failsafe system. Explain what airport managers need to know about Ground-Based Augmented Systems (GBAS). Select at least two of the following questions to answer: 1. Should local communities support GBAS and emergency management or critical infrastructure project because they provide backup air navigation services in the event a satellite system is disrupted? 2. What are your thoughts about the advisability of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) assuming the responsibility and authority over GBAS? 3. Should PPP's purchase, install, maintain, and operate this equipment, and if so, how do you see the coordination and security of information transferred between the PPPs and the FAA? 4. Does the FAA assume liability for the accuracy of information transmitted by a PPP?