Policy Analysis of the Upgraded Third Generation Air Traffic Control System

This report provides a review of costs and benefits of the Upgraded Third Generator Air Traffic Control System (UG3RD) from a systems perspective and also reviews the feasibility and effectiveness of complementary policy strategies. The analysis values the costs and benefits of five alternative systems composed of potential combinations of UG3RD components. For each system, the added cost of airport and airway service was quantified for both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and for airway users. Benefits consisted of increased airport capacity and reduced delay, savings from reduced FAA staff requirements, and improved airway system safety. In addition to estimating costs and benefits of various investments, the study investigates the impacts of airport quotas and peak pricing, increased use of satellite airports, and terminal control areas. (Author)