Senate hearing on the modernization program of the air traffic control system, which has taken more than 15 years and consumed many billions of dollars. Witnesses: Senators Richard H. Bryan, Wendel H. Ford, Slade Gorton, and John McCain; Phil Boyer, pres., Aircraft Owner's and Pilots Assoc. (AOPA) Legislative Action; Gerald L. Dillingham, Ph.D., Associate Director, Transportation Issues, Resources, Community, and Economic Development Div., General Accounting Office; Jane Garvey, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and Margaret T. Jenny, director, airline business and operations analysis, U.S. Airways.

The Fed. Aviation Admin. began to modernize the ATC system in 1981 under a 10-year $12 billion program that comprised 80 projects. In 1991, the modernization effort was redefined incorporating the original projects and about 150 additional ones. Currently, the program is estimated to cost $32.8 billion through the year 2000 and will require an additional $1.3 billion for 2001. This report provides information on the status of modernization of the ATC system. Also contains information on overall costs of air traffic control modernization. Tables.

Automation in air traffic control may increase efficiency, but it also raises questions about adequate human control over automated systems. Following on the panel's first volume on air traffic control automation, Flight to the Future (NRC, 1997), this book focuses on the interaction of pilots and air traffic controllers, with a growing network of automated functions in the airspace system. The panel offers recommendations for development of human-centered automation, addressing key areas such as providing levels of automation that are appropriate to levels of risk, examining procedures for recovery from emergencies, free flight versus ground-based authority, and more. The book explores ways in which technology can build on human strengths and compensate for human vulnerabilities, minimizing both mistrust of automation and complacency about its abilities. The panel presents an overview of emerging technologies and trends toward automation within the national airspace systemâ€"in areas such as global positioning and other aspects of surveillance, flight information provided to pilots an controllers, collision avoidance, strategic long-term planning, and systems for training and maintenance. The book examines how to achieve better integration of research and development, including the importance of user involvement in air traffic control. It also discusses how to harmonize the wide range of functions in the national airspace system, with a detailed review of the free flight initiative.

Every major enterprise has a significant installed base of existing software systems that reflect the tangled IT architectures that result from decades of patches and failed replacements. Most of these systems were designed to support business architectures that have changed dramatically. At best, these systems hinder agility and competitiveness and, at worst, can bring critical business functions to a halt. Architecture-Driven Modernization (ADM) restores the value of entrenched systems by capturing and retooling various aspects of existing application environments, allowing old infrastructures to deliver renewed value and align effectively with enterprise strategies and business architectures. Information Systems Transformation provides a practical guide to organizations seeking ways to understand and leverage existing systems as part of their information management strategies. It includes an introduction to ADM disciplines, tools, and standards as well as a series of scenarios outlining how ADM is applied to various initiatives. Drawing upon lessons learned from real modernization projects, it distills the theory and explains principles, processes, and best practices for every industry. Acts as a one-stop shopping reference and complete guide for implementing various modernization models in myriad industries and departments Every concept is illustrated with real-life examples from various modernization projects, allowing you to immediately apply tested solutions and see results Authored by the Co-chair of the Object Management Group (OMG) Architecture-Driven Modernization (ADM) Task Force, which sets definitive systems modernization standards for the entire IT industry A web site supports the book with up to date coverage of evolving ADM Specifications, Tutorials, and Whitepapers, allowing you to remain up to date on modernization topics as they develop