NextGen Taking Shape at Embry-Riddle

The NextGen testbed facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach campus is gearing up for a demonstration next month that will advance en route automation modernization (ERAM) and traffic management advisor (TMA) capabilities. ERAM is a replacement for the FAA’s Host computer and is expected to be installed at all 20 U.S. en route centers by 2010. TMA, a software tool that helps controllers sequence en route aircraft, is deployed at all 20 centers and 33 of the 35 busiest airports. The upcoming demonstration involves overlaying near-term forecast weather on ERAM and current Nexrad weather on TMA to assist controllers in routing aircraft around weather more efficiently. The NextGen test team is also working on integrating ERAM and TMA to allow seamless operation of the two different systems.