Federal Aviation Administration's Advanced Automation System Investment
T-IMTEC-88-3: Published: Mar 12, 1988. Publicly Released: Mar 12, 1988.
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GAO discussed the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) plans to modernize its air traffic control computer system. GAO noted that FAA plans to acquire the Advanced Automation System (AAS) to: (1) increase controller productivity; (2) reduce its operating costs; (3) save fuel and passenger time; and (4) replace its aging air traffic control computer systems. GAO also noted that the FAA proposal for implementing AAS: (1) involved closing 180 terminal control facilities and moving their functions to 23 large centers; (2) did not fully analyze or properly compare a range of alternatives for AAS program elements; (3) had disadvantages in terms of increased vulnerability to loss of services in the event of catastrophe, personnel relocation problems, and the need for additional controllers during transitions from old to new facilities; and (4) used an unsound methodology to estimate AAS benefits. In addition, GAO noted that an alternative proposal involving replacement of equipment and new workstations: (1) reduced costs by over $750 million; and (2) alleviated many of the FAA proposal disadvantages. GAO believes that FAA should: (1) not award the multi-billion dollar AAS contract until it has identified the amount and types of equipment necessary for a non-consolidation approach; and (2) fully analyze other terminal control facility alternatives.
Sep 30, 2020
Supplemental Material For GAO-20-686:
Transit Asset Management: Survey of TAM Program ParticipantsGAO-20-687SP: Published: Sep 30, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 30, 2020.-
Transit Asset Management:
FTA Should Clarify Performance Data and Develop a Plan to Guide Future Program ImprovementsGAO-20-686: Published: Sep 30, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 30, 2020.
Sep 8, 2020
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Airport Funding:
Information on Grandfathered Revenue Diversion and Potential Implications of RepealGAO-20-684: Published: Sep 8, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 8, 2020. -
Aviation Sanitation:
FDA Could Better Communicate with Airlines to Encourage Voluntary Construction Inspections of Aircraft Galleys and LavatoriesGAO-20-612: Published: Sep 8, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 8, 2020.
Sep 2, 2020
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Facial Recognition:
CBP and TSA are Taking Steps to Implement Programs, but CBP Should Address Privacy and System Performance IssuesGAO-20-568: Published: Sep 2, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 2, 2020.
Aug 20, 2020
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Aircraft Noise:
Information on a Potential Mandated Transition to Quieter AirplanesGAO-20-661: Published: Aug 20, 2020. Publicly Released: Aug 20, 2020.
Aug 18, 2020
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Aviation Safety:
Actions Needed to Evaluate Changes to FAA's Enforcement Policy on Safety StandardsGAO-20-642: Published: Aug 18, 2020. Publicly Released: Aug 18, 2020.
Aug 10, 2020
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Transportation Research:
Additional Actions Could Improve DOT's Internal Collaboration and Reliability of Information on Research ActivitiesGAO-20-622: Published: Aug 10, 2020. Publicly Released: Aug 10, 2020.
Jul 27, 2020
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Surface Transportation Security:
TSA Has Taken Steps to Improve its Surface Inspector Program, but Lacks Performance TargetsGAO-20-558: Published: Jul 27, 2020. Publicly Released: Jul 27, 2020.
Jul 16, 2020
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Capital Investment Grants Program:
FTA Should Improve the Effectiveness and Transparency of Its ReviewsGAO-20-512: Published: Jul 16, 2020. Publicly Released: Jul 16, 2020.
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