Wake Turbulence: An Obstacle to Increased Air Traffic Capacity (2008)

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A Statement of Task The National Research Council will assemble a committee to conduct an independent analysis of what should be the appropriate elements of a national approach to overcoming wake turbulence challenges. The analy- sis will include the following: Step 1:  An analysis to identify what are the most important challenges to address, and why. These challenges should be prioritized, and strong consideration should be given to the impact of the ability to solve these challenges on the successful realization of the NGATS. A recommendation will be made as to which federal agency, or agencies, including NASA, the FAA, NOAA, or other, should lead the research effort for each of the identified challenges.  The committee will then develop a draft program plan that addresses these challenges. This plan will include milestones, metrics, and a schedule. Step 2: An assessment of the current relevant research being con- ducted by NASA, the FAA, and other federal government agencies. The existing and/or potential gaps between the recommended program from Step 1 and the current research activities will be identified. Recommenda- tions will be made regarding how best to address these identified gaps. Step 3: A review of research being conducted by nonfederal govern- ment organizations within the United States and by foreign organiza- tions in the area of wake turbulence. Of interest is the extent to which 73 

74 APPENDIX A this non-U.S.-federal government research is being sufficiently leveraged by the existing national research program(s). This will include propos- ing changes in roles and responsibilities required in existing partner- ships including FAA/Eurocontrol Action Plan 14 and WakeNet USA, as applicable.