Science Fiction or the Future of Aviation?
G E O W O R L D / N O V E M B E R 2 O O 9 20 Government Special Issue BY NUKE GOLDSTEIN Data Standards T he year is 2020. A transatlantic flight is sched-uled to leave Dallas/Forth Worth Airport for a European destination. The pilot, while in his hotel room, prepares the flight plan on his laptop. The planning tool accesses real-time data sources to propose the best path as well as emergency diversion airports along the route. The pilot has instant access to maps, charts, alerts, up-to-date weather status and forecasts, and other information relevant to the trip. On the way to the airport, the pilot reviews the flight plan and adds notes using his mobile phone. In the cockpit, the flight crew uses the up-to-date flight plan in preflight preparations. A single display provides the visual front end of a sophisticated computerized system that smartly provides any information needed by the pilot, while reducing clutter and maximizing safety and efficiency. Important alerts and instructions also are heard around the cockpit in the computer's assertive (but friendly and pleasant) voice, as if a disembodied crew-member is present. The system ensures that the flight crew is aware of any new alerts concerning the flight and makes recom-mendations as needed. During preflight preparations, an alert is received, notifying the crew that the current diversion airport in Ohio may not be suitable due to an approaching storm. The flight crew then receives a short list of suggested alternates, picked according to the constraints of the flight plan, weather forecast and adequate accessibility to the type of plane being used. As a result, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta is logged as the new diversion. Using the main display and a multi-touch interface, the pilot has immediate map-driven access to information such as aerial photography and approach vectors. As the plane clears the gate, it takes its place in a busy mesh of aircrafts following each other at close (but safe) distances and taking off in short intervals. This orchestrated dance is coordinated by an airport-based system that accurately guides the pilots in traffic with clear instructions. The flight deck's omnipresent computerized crewmem-ber makes sure the pilot correctly and safely navigates Science Fiction or the Future of Aviation? A NextGen System Utilizes Open Data Modeling