RTCA CTF-3

Description / Abstract: The Free Flight Implementation Task Force Report underscores the need for changes in the air traffic system and emphasizes that changes should be both benefits driven and implemented in steps, such that incremental changes lead immediately to incremental benefits. This report provides the definition of free flight, addresses “dynamic density” plus other operational initiatives, and recommends a transition strategy based on the time-phased implementation of new procedures and technology. The strategy provides benefits to the entire air transportation community. The strategy also simultaneously moves the community from an analog communication, ground-based navigation air traffic control system to a digital communication, ground- and space-based navigation air traffic management system that makes increasingly heavier use of decision support systems to help air traffic service providers meet their important responsibilities.