Aviation strategic outlook areas driving the NAS CNS-ATM system of systems

It is said, “A theoretical plan does not survive reality”¹. Management of disruptive forces, positive or negative, requires a methodology focused on the continuous monitoring of emerging capabilities and aviation trends. The methodology can lead to the systematic resolution of strategic issues that can affect the future National Airspace System (NAS). This paper will identify aviation strategic outlook areas that will affect the evolution and implementation of Communications, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management systems that will enable the Future NAS vision. Strategic Outlook Areas examined in this paper are: Resiliency of the NAS, management of NAS Infrastructure and Technology Management planning, reducing the environmental footprint of aviation, minimizing the impact of weather on operations, understanding the Internet-of-Things on aviation, and New Aviation Entrants. In each area, the paper will explore the background, challenges they poses to achieving the future NAS, and key questions that need to be answered to leverage an opportunity or mitigate a risk. The goal of the Aviation Strategic Outlook effort serves as an instrument to inform decision-makers on potential policy, capabilities, procedures, and technology decisions to maintain an appropriate path to the desired or target future. The expected results will set the stage to define an impact statement, identify risks and opportunities to implementation, and proposed strategies to inform decision-makers on a pathway to achieve the future NAS vision.