Airspace

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Airspace

Companies using business aircraft operate within the National Airspace System (NAS) differently than the airlines do.  For example, business aircraft tend to fly above or below airline traffic and operate into a far greater number of airports than air carriers do.  NBAA has provided resources to allow operators of all sizes of business aircraft to maximize their efficient operation through the National Airspace System.

Airspace News

IFR Departure Clearances Expanded in the NAS for GNSS-Equipped Aircraft
February 25, 2013
Last week the FAA issued a NOTAM allowing properly-equipped aircraft to be issued IFR departure clearances from uncontrolled airports that are beyond 40 NM from the NAVAID without radar monitoring. GNSS-equipped aircraft may now receive these clearances with point-to-point route segments, on the ground, or in the air. Prior to this change, IFR clearances were only issued when either ATC radar monitoring was available or when a departure procedure was published including a transition to the en-route structure. View the full NOTAM FDC 3/9599.
MTOs: A Direct Line to the FAA
February 8, 2013
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NBAA have created a structure that allows NBAA Members to point out their observations about system operations to the agency through its five managers of tactical operations (MTOs). The MTOs are the faces of the FAA in their respective regions, explained NBAA Director, Air Traffic Services & Infrastructure Bob Lamond. Acting as customer advocates, each MTO "owns" an issue until it is resolved. Read more about MTOs.
Convention Session Will Detail New Weather Forecasting Methods
August 10, 2012
Those attending NBAA's 2012 Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2012) in Orlando, FL will have an opportunity to learn more about the cooperative efforts underway between the FAA and the aviation community to bring more reliable weather information to operators. "Collaborative Decision Making Weather Evaluation Team Update on Supporting NextGen Concepts" will be presented Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Orange County Convention Center. Learn more about this session at NBAA2012.
FAA Releases NextGen Plan Electronically
August 6, 2012
The FAA has released the 2012 version of the NextGen Implementation Plan as a PDF, and, for the first time, as an e-book on the NextGen website. The plan details the progress towards the transformation of the U.S. airspace system, supported by strong collaboration between the FAA and the entire aviation community. NBAA continues to play a key role in fostering further industry-agency collaboration. Steve Brown, NBAA's chief operating officer, serves as co-chair of the Aviation Rulemaking Committee focused on Next Gen planning. The FAA's 2012 update details the benefit of aviation system transformation and accomplishments to date, and outlines the agency's strategy for moving forward. For more information, contact NBAA's Bob Lamond at rlamond@nbaa.org. View the FAA's NextGen Implementation Plan.
This Storm Season, Watch for Hurricane Updates from NBAA Air Traffic Services
June 11, 2012
As hurricane season begins to intensify, now is a good time to review what information and guidance to expect from NBAA Air Traffic Services (ATS) before, during and after these storms. Once the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) begins to have its hurricane telephone conferences (telcons) among aviation stakeholders to coordinate response procedures, NBAA ATS will begin issuing hurricane updates to the business aviation community via the Association's Airspace Alerts subscriber list, as well as via its new @NBAA_ATS Twitter account. Read more about ATS's role in hurricane updates.
Tools for Traffic Management in Storm Season
May 22, 2012
To help facilitate business aircraft operations, the GA Desk's efforts to help subscribers find the most efficient and timely routes around bad weather are augmented by tactical route coordinators (TRCs). For example, the TRC at New York TRACON is used to provide reroutes during Severe Weather Avoidance Plan events for airspace over the New York region. The TRC establishes a phone bridge with tower personnel at the small airports most often used by business aircraft and New York Center personnel, as well as flight plan service providers. The coordination among the parties helps smooth departure rates and make options available for operators able to adjust their departure plans. Read more about traffic management during stormy weather.
FAA Issues Update on NextGen Work
May 7, 2012
The FAA's updated NextGen Implementation Plan, now available online, includes tweaks to its strategy for modernizing departure and arrival procedures, particularly in 21 "metroplexes" (metro areas encompassing multiple airports). Highlights of the plan affecting general aviation include expanded implementation of WAAS/LPV approaches, as well as RNAV RNP. NBAA Senior Vice President for Operations & Administration Scott Brown said of the plan, "They've appropriately prioritized what they need to do first, and they've followed recommendations from the industry advisory committees we participate in, so we're happy about that." Read more about the latest NextGen plan.
Updated Web Site Offers Information for Avoiding Midairs
August 3, 2011
Recent midair collisions involving general aviation aircraft have highlighted the need for pilots to remain aware of their surroundings at all times. A partnership between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) has paved the way for the development of an informative website about the subject. Effective last month, the updated SeeAndAvoid.org website includes links to the military's Mid-Air Collision Avoidance (MACA) programs, as well as greater access to information about military aircraft movements. Learn more.
New NBAA Resource Explains Considerations for EFVS
April 11, 2011
Operators of aircraft equipped with an FAA-approved enhanced flight visual system (EFVS) must ensure their pilots understand how to use the system safely. The NBAA Access Committee has developed a resource for Members on the operational considerations for using EFVS; the relationship between the final approach segment vertical descent angle and any installed visual glide slope indicator; and how that relationship is depicted on instrument approach charts. View the resource.
FAA Releases Updated Guidance on Instrument Landing System Intercepts
April 8, 2011
As a result of the NBAA Access Committee’s involvement in the FAA’s Aeronautical Charting Forum, the FAA has released a new Information For Operators message (InFO 11009) regarding minimum crossing altitudes at stepdown fixes on instrument landing system (ILS) approaches. While the ILS glideslope remains stationary regardless of atmospheric temperature, stepdown fixes are published according to indicated altitude, which varies with temperature changes. This means that on hotter days, pilots must comply with the minimum stepdown altitude, even if it means remaining above the ILS glideslope until reaching Final Approach Fix. Review the InFO and NBAA’s summary.

  • NBAA Air Traffic Services

    NBAA staffs a full-time desk at the FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC). NBAA Air Traffic Services (ATS), formerly known as the GA Desk, is a team of air traffic management specialists who act as business aviation representatives and participate in both real-time national airspace flow-control and decision-making. NBAA Air Traffic Services subscribers benefit from real-time monitoring of their flights and receive up-to-the minute information about air traffic issues.
    Learn more.

  • VIP 91.141 NOTAM Impact Statements

    NBAA Air Traffic Management Specialists, at the NBAA Air Traffic Services, provide impact statements for VIP Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). These impact statements detail the effects that specific TFRs have on business and general aviation, including what airports and airspace might be affected. Learn more.

  • NBAA Access Committee

    The NBAA Access Committee works to preserve airport and airspace access for everyone who relies on business aviation.

  • Obstruction Evaluation / Airport Airspace Analysis (OE/AAA)

    Navigable airspace is being threatened as everything from microwave towers, to office buildings to wind turbines are being built in ever increasing numbers, many near airports. Learn more.