NASOPsAugust_2016_Minutes_Final_v1.0

Research, Engineering and Development Advisory Committee (REDAC)

NAS Operations Subcommittee | MINUTES

Date: August 9-10, 2016

Location: Washington DC (Conference Room varies by date)

Purpose: Review Program Accomplishments; Provide Guidance / 

Recommendations for Development of the FY19 Portfolio

Facilitator: Maureen Molz, DFO

Note Taker: Anton Koros

Upcoming Meetings: 

• March 21-23, 2017, Washington, DC

• September 12-14, 2017, Washington, DC

Day 1 – August 9, 2016 (CSSI Conference Room)

Review of REDAC Recommendations, Responses and Open Actions

Presenter Steve Bussolari/Maureen Molz

Summary: Mr. Bussolari opened the meeting with a review of pending action items. 

The open item regarding Requirements Management Board membership was 

postponed for later discussion in the meeting. The request for FAA presentation of the 

NAS Vision was closed as suitable materials were furnished in advance of the current 

meeting. Demonstration of aviation weather products was postponed till the March 

meeting. The Findings and Recommendations (F&Rs) regarding Unmanned Aircraft 

Systems (UAS) integration in the NAS (Spring_2016_1, Fall_2015_2) have not received 

an official FAA response. The subcommittee acknowledged that the agency has 

initiated outreach efforts to the UAS community and effectively leveraged the Research 

Transition Team structure. The group noted that the FAA recognized the need to also 

leverage the F&E budget in support UAS air traffic management (ATM) research. A 

final decision on the subcommittee’s decision regarding these items was postponed 

until after the UAS presentations later in the agenda. A decision regarding the Runway 

Incursion Reduction Program F&Rs (Fall_2015_1) was also postponed pending the 

program update.

Presentation Budget Briefing

Presenter Mike Gallivan 

Summary: Mr. Gallivan reported the FAA FY 2017 budget request of $15.899B 

comprised approximately $9.99B for Operations, $2.8B for Facilities & Equipment, 

$166M [post meeting corrected to $167M] for Research, Engineering and Development

(RE&D), and $2.9B for Airports. The majority of the RE&D request is in support of 

safety ($95.9M) followed by reducing environmental impacts, improving efficiency, and 

mission support. The agency included a new RE&D budget line request for NextGen 

Information Security in the amount of $1M. Current House and Senate marks add 

funds to the RE&D and Airports budget lines; however this is subject to change when 

enacted. If the budget is enacted as planned, the Senate committee directs 

$10,000,000 of UAS research funds be directed to expand Center of Excellence in 
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support of UAS cybersecurity, agricultural applications, beyond visual line of sight 

technology, and continuation of air and ground collision studies. The Senate language 

also directs the FAA to conduct research and development on the design, testing and 

implementation of a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system. When queried by the 

subcommittee if the current language permits the agency to fund key UAS ATM

research, the FAA responded that it does. The current FAA authorization expires at the 

end of FY 2017.

Presentation 1A10D NextGen – New Air Traffic Management Requirements

(Deep Dive – Datacom Study) 

Presenter Steve Bradford 

Summary: At the subcommittees’ request, Mr. Bradford provided a presentation on the 

planned FAA harmonization effort investigating the benefits of Datacom. This work is a 

global harmonization initiative that is being supported by organizations such as ICAO 

and RTCA. One of the key challenges to Datacom, particularly in Europe, is spectrum 

availability. Datacom is made up of services (e.g., CPDLC, DCL), networking (e.g., 

FANS, ATN/OSI), and a physical data link (e.g., VDL/2). These are impacted by 

considerations such as supporting avionics (retrofit, forward fit) and deployment strategy 

(budget, mandates, timescales). The services will mature from reducing routine tasks 

and voice communication, to enabling initial 4D trajectory operations, and culminate in 

the application of full 4D business / mission trajectories. The FAA plans on moving from 

ATN & FANS1/A networks to the ATN/Internet Protocol Suite. In 2011 the FAA 

accelerated the schedule to provide datalink reroutes to aircraft by leveraging the use of 

FANS. However, limitations in the message set and FMS-related issues were 

observed. In 2015 Controller-Pilot Data Link (CPDLC) Departure Clearances (DCL)

were implemented. Initial en route services are planned for 2019, full en route services 

beginning in 2022, and segment 2 baseline 2 services (dynamic RNP, advanced interval 

management, 4D trajectories) in 2026. The goal of the current study is to quantify and 

characterize benefits of the new Datacom technologies in an operational environment. 

The subcommittee noted that the presentation clarified the need for the demonstration

as well as the study objectives and approach.

Presentation UAS Strategic Plans and Near Term Opportunities

Presenter Maureen Keegan

Summary of Briefing: Ms. Keegan updated the status of UAS ATM concept 

maturation plan activities. The FAA has defined 5 UAS sectors of users (hobbyist, 

commercial VLOS, Commercial BVLOS, Public, and Integrated) and mapped these 

across UAS work elements to ensure all sectors are addressed. It describes the path 

from current UAS operations considered exceptions, to full “file and fly” integrated 

operations in the mature state. The plan leverages all previous UAS products including 

the FAA UAS ConOps, mid-term UAS scenarios, FAA UAS Requirements and 

Shortfalls, Service/Responsibility allocations, and UAS Operations Evolution Strategy. 

The FAA will continue to conduct activities to develop mature UAS requirements. In 

FY16, the UAS program received its first direct UAS research funding and initiated 

stakeholder outreach. Current funded activities include studying contingency operations 

and determining ATC information needs, when the information is required, what 

procedures must be updated, and conducting HITL demonstrations to investigate the 
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feasibility of different types of low altitude UAS operations and their impacts to ATC. 

Subcommittee members inquired if the UAS ConOps would need to be updated for 

small UAS (sUAS) and other exceptions. Mr. Bradford noted that the integrated concept 

is still valid and that a narrative addressing sUAS will be added as an addendums to the 

2012 UAS ConOps. Beginning in FY17 the operational requirements that pertain to 

NAS systems, policies, and ATC procedures will be vetted; which will lead to a finalized 

set of UAS requirements in FY18. The concept will enter the Concept and 

Requirements Definition Readiness (CRDR) phase in FY19, followed by the Investment 

Analysis Readiness Decision (IARD) in FY20. This will lead to a Final Investment 

Decision in FY22. Ms. Keegan noted that the UAS program continues to take 

advantage of opportunities to roll out products earlier when possible. Examples include 

the “lost link” beacon code and the UAS ATC notification/authorization for model aircraft 

and sUAS operations operating under the initial Part 107. Details of the notification / 

UAS Flight Information Management project were presented next. 

Presentation UAS Flight Information Management System

Presenter Sherri Magyarits

Summary of Briefing: This new activity focuses on the research, development, and 

implementation of a UAS flight information system. This system will be independent of 

the flight planning system and will assist in the management of predominantly sUAS 

operating at low altitudes (initially < 400 ft AGL). Ms. Magyarits noted that there is high 

demand for these operations but the current NOTAM system cannot effectively inform 

other airspace users of sUAS operations and an independent UAS flight information 

management system is required. The FAA-approved system will enable UAS operators 

to inform the FAA where required and other airspace users of operations below 400 

feet. It will provide essential sUAS flight information to assess risk, provide feedback to 

the operator, maintain awareness of sUAS activity, and where applicable, support 

separation and advisory services. The subcommittee noted that key considerations 

include user equity of access to airspace and additional reporting requirements. Mr. 

Bradford reported that notification details are being researched and that the system 

must be a robust product. The FAA is maturing Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) 

notification requirements through collaboration with NASA via the UTM Research 

Transition Team (RTT). At the conclusion of the presentation, the subcommittee 

requested progress updates at future meetings. Mr. Bussolari then led a discussion on 

the two open UAS Findings and Recommendations. The subcommittee noted that the 

FAA had established a UAS management team which aligned with their 

recommendations for high level system engineering leadership focused on UAS 

integration in the NAS. When asked, the FAA noted that a comprehensive agency UAS 

Implementation Plan is currently under review at the executive level. The subcommittee 

requested it be shared when available.

Presentation Commercial Space Transportation (CST) 

Presenter Mike Romanowski 

Summary: Mr. Romanowski focused the presentation on one key area of ongoing 

R&D, space port integration research. The FAA has many years of experience 

managing commercial space operations. Regulations have been in place since the 

1990s, during which time, over 290 launches and reentries have been authorized. 
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Current R&D research initiatives include improving integration of spaceports into the 

NAS, exploring the development of separation standards, and developing and validating 

improved noise models for space launches at inland launch sites. Spaceports have 

proliferated across the US including in inland locations. They represent a key driver of 

AST R&D needs due to their implications on public safety, air traffic, airports, and the 

environment. The AST office assists states and other applicants in spaceport siting and 

integration. The FAA team uses a standardized weighted checklist to evaluate factors 

including location (inland vs coastal), proximity to airports and critical infrastructure, 

launch characteristics (horizontal vs vertical), airspace, ship traffic, and population 

density. The FAA has initiated research to define launch/reentry separation standards 

including modeling to improve debris predictions to safely reduce the size of aircraft 

hazard areas. Another key focus area is modeling space vehicle noise, sonic boom, 

and environmental impacts. Mr. Cavolowsky noted that NASA had extensive experience 

investigating the sonic boom phenomenon and provided contact information for a key 

researcher at Langley Research Center. The portfolio also funds concept maturation 

and R&D within the FAA Commercial Space Center of Excellence. Mr. Romanowski 

then described the FAA licensing process for commercial launch sites. 

Presentation 1A11 NextGen – Ops Concepts Validation Modeling (OCVM) 

Presenter Wes Wright

Summary: Mr. Wright provided an update on the status of active OCVM projects. 

Beginning in FY16 new concept development activities were assigned to portfolios 

therefore the OCVM PLA will close when all ongoing work is completed. Two OCVM 

tasks were recently completed: Optimized Route Capability (ORC) and UAS in the NAS. 

The final products included a preliminary quantified shortfall for ORC and a UAS low 

altitude operating concepts white paper. The Statistical Methods for Departure 

Predictability (SMDP) program collected and processed comprehensive NAS data and 

merged it so that the Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) model could be trained In support 

of the task. Space Vehicle Operations (SVO) data requirements were defined in support 

of that task. A space vehicle debris mitigation failure mode analysis report will be 

delivered in 2017. The subcommittee inquired regarding how the SVO concept will be 

merged into NexGen. The FAA reported that the task is aligned with the NextGen 

ConOps and that the Commercial Space Transportation office is providing guidance on 

the task and would leverage the requirements. The FAA continued to define initial 

requirements for the standardized ontology under the TMI Attribute Standardization 

(TAS) task. The Vertical Conformance Verification (VCV) task will be completed in 2017 

with delivery of the VCV ConOps. The subcommittee asked about the impact of the 

transition from the cross-cutting OCVM PLA to portfolios. NextGen is in generally in the 

implementation phase and is not focused on concept development. 

Presentation Review Findings and Recommendations/New Actions 

Presenter Steve Bussolari

Discussion – The subcommittee noted no actionable key findings and 

recommendations to this point.
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Presentation REDAC Subcommittee Update

Presenter Shelley Yak, FAA Technical Center Director

Summary: Ms. Yak provided an update of lessons learned from attendance at several

REDAC subcommittee meetings. The subcommittees continue to provide a valuable 

dialogue and contribution to the FAAs research programs. Many of the subcommittees 

asked about the FAAs overall research and development strategy and the alignment 

with mission and operational outcomes. The information is communicated in the annual 

National Aviation Research Plan (NARP), which is currently being revised by the 

Research Executive Board for the 2018 cycle. The subcommittee noted that they had 

previously received a deep dive on the NARP but that the budget line items were not 

clearly aligned with that document. Ms. Yak reported that the FAA has initiated an effort

to identify ways to leverage the NARP information in an alternative framework more 

aligned to the needs of the subcommittees. Ms. Yak also shared observations from her 

participation in the meetings. A key recommendation was to include presenter 

engagement when drafting new F&Rs. Ms. Yak ended the presentation reiterating the 

importance of the REDAC engagement protocol to FAA R&D program governance.

Presentation 1A01C - Operations Concept Development & Infrastructure

Presenter Maureen Keegan (for Rob Hunt)

Summary: This program assesses the interaction of changing roles and 

responsibilities of NAS service providers and pilots, airspace changes, procedural 

changes and new mechanized systems for distributing weather, traffic and other flight 

related information. In addition it supports RTCA in the development of standards. 

Current and emerging focal research areas include Performance Based Navigation 

(PBN) optimization, weather integration, and operational integration analysis (OIA). 

FY16 PBN optimization activities are focused on Terminal Sequencing and Spacing

(TSAS) and path stretch applications. The TSAS operational integration assessment

represents a joint FAA/NASA initiative conducted under the Air Traffic Demonstration 

(ATD)-2 program. Due to the criticality of effective integration, a deep dive on the TSAS 

OIA evaluation was added to the current agenda at the committee’s request. The FAA is 

also collaborating with the National Weather Service, airline representatives, and other 

personnel to develop the Collaborative Aviation Weather Statement (CAWS). Unlike 

current manual tools, the new collaborative system will promote much greater 

responsiveness in managing traffic management initiatives. OIA is focused on the 

integration of multiple emerging concepts and products into an effective operational 

system. Members of the subcommittee noted that platform integration is a critical

challenge for NextGen and expressed support for the FAA approach to evaluate 

products in an integrated environment and not in isolation.

Presentation Air Traffic Management (ATM) Technology Demonstration-1 (ATD-1) 

Presenter Leighton Quon

Summary: Mr. Quon, NASAs Airspace Technology Demonstrations (ATD) Project

Manager, presented an overview of the ATD-1 project. The evaluation tested prototypes 

of an integrated arrival solution comprised of TSAS and Interval Management (IM) in an 

operational context. Objectives included demonstrating the use of PBN and ADS-B 

spacing applications and accelerating the transfer of these technologies into the NAS. 
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The assessment was conducted at the FAA Technical Center in May 2015. TSAS 

technologies have been transferred to the FAA for a 2018 Initial Operating Capability. 

The IM technologies will undergo flight testing, and further development if needed, 

before transfer to the FAA. Mr. Quon noted that forward fitting aircraft with new 

functionality tends to be more practical for airlines than retrofitting, as these updates 

often consist of a software update and not hardware changes. 

Presentation Deep Dive - Operational Integration Analysis (OIA) Report 

Presenter Kevin Witzberger

Summary: Mr. Witzberger’s presentation focused on the benefits of the TSAS OIA, 

particularly with respect to risk identification and mitigation. The comprehensive 

evaluation assessed delivery accuracy to the metering fix, terminal CHI, cross-facility 

command and control, and policies of use in an operationally representative 

environment. NASA developers and FAA implementers worked collaboratively to 

integrate the tool into the automation platforms. TSAS was successfully integrated into 

the Terminal and En route automation platforms. Traffic manager (Center and Terminal) 

and ATC procedures were developed and proved to be effective. No major operational 

integration risks were identified. Valuable experience from this OIA is being leveraged 

for GIM-S integration. FAA OIA participants are supporting requirements refinement and 

development efforts for integration of TSAS into Time Based Flow Management (TBFM)

Work Package 3 (WP3). Subcommittee members noted that the TSAS OIA represents 

a good framework for promoting effective integration into the NAS, especially given that 

many new capabilities are on the horizon.

Presentation Review Findings and Recommendations/New Actions 

Presenter Steve Bussolari

Discussion – The subcommittee discussed the open UAS F&Rs with respect to UAS 

user community engagement and leveraging the RTT structure. Without FAA response 

these items remain open; however, the subcommittee noted the opportunity to open a 

more specific UAS recommending continued progress in these areas. Pending further 

subcommittee discussion, the group kept the decision open on whether an F&R was 

advised regarding guidance on the FAA F&E budget.

Day 2 – August 10, 2016 (NASA Headquarters)

Presentation Review Findings and Recommendations/New Actions 

Presenter Steve Bussolari

Discussion – Mr. Bussolari led the subcommittee in a review of the status of the open 

UAS F&Rs and the potential for new F&Rs on UAS and/or budget guidance. This 

resulted in a subcommittee request for a deep dive by the FAA at the next NASOPs 

meeting on UAS research plans for the next two years. 
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Presentation 1A07A0NextGen – ATC/Tech Ops HF

Presenter Jerome Lard

Summary: This presentation occurred after the ATC TO HF presentation as Mr. Lard 

was detained in a meeting. The NextGen ATC/Tech Ops Human Factors (HF) F&E 

program provides HF system level guidance to assist with the evolution of the NAS 

infrastructure and its workforce approximately 3-6 years in advance of a new program. 

Mr. Lard noted recent accomplishments included an implementation plan for 

convergence of en route and terminal functions, and a report on metrics for assessing 

adverse event recovery and system resiliency in legacy and NextGen automation. A 

subcommittee member inquired regarding how the HF performance and safety baseline 

was conducted. The FAA developed models of NAS systems and users across 

NextGen increments, compiled historical data, added new systems/capabilities, and 

worked with safety representatives to assign risk severity and likelihood ratings for all 

events. The outputs, identified as negative or positive impacts, were imported into the 

safety organizations database. When asked by the subcommittee, Mr. Lard confirmed 

that international EuroControl lessons learned and guidance documents are consulted, 

and that projects result in specific solutions as well as general guidance.

Presentation A11.i Air Traffic Control/Technical Operations Human Factors 

Presenter Nick Lento

Summary: Mr. Lento presented for Mr. Herschler. The core objectives of this program 

are to measure ATC and technical operations (TO) specialists’ individual and team 

performance and recommend improvements to design, procedures, training, selection 

and placement to mitigate human performance shortfalls. The team published the HF 

design standard for new and modified systems (HF-STD-001B), requirements for a HF 

program (HF-STD-004A), ATC Display Color standard (HF-STD-010), and the TO 

Graphical User Interface Standard (HF-STD-009). Workforce optimization efforts have 

focused on developing an FAA academy ATC on the job training instructor (OJTI) 

course and training certification standards to OJTIs and front line managers at N90. 

One subcommittee member noted the importance of extending the focus on training to 

the command center. Taxonomies were updated for the System Integrity Risk Analysis 

Process (SI-RAP) and TO Safety Action Program (T-SAP). FY18 focal areas include 

development of an empirically-validated color palette for ATC displays, investigating the 

effects of shift work on personnel fatigue, and development of training performance 

measures and standards to reduce attrition of controllers-in-training at ATC facilities. 

The subcommittee asked about representation on the HF roundtable. Mr. Lento took 

the action to provide the subcommittee HF roundtable membership post meeting.

Presentation Aviation Weather Research Program (AWRP) 

Presenter Randy Bass

Summary: Mr. Bass reported that in 2015 weather was identified as a causal factor in 

53% of delays and 20% of accidents. This program supports the implementation of NG 

weather improvements including the transition of legacy products. The hazardous 

weather mitigation program provided the NWS upgraded high resolution inflight icing 

diagnosis (CIP) and forecast (FIP) displays, modified turbulence displays for different 
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weight classes, and improved the prototype of oceanic probabilistic convective 

guidance. Members of the subcommittee inquired how these products will be integrated 

into NextGen. Mr. Bass reported that AJV-7 has the lead for integration into work 

package 2 (WP02). The subcommittee requested a deep dive on that activity at the next 

meeting. NextGen-focused activities resulted in a model to evaluate the amount of 

weather impact that is "avoidable" for aviation operational decisions as well as a study 

on the degree to which weather impacts collaborative decision-makers. A higher 

resolution rapid refresh model was developed to support aviation forecasts; and 

improved wind, temperature, cloud, and convective forecast enhancements were 

delivered to the NWS. Mr. Bass provided details on the Offshore Precipitation Capability

(OPC). This product uses machine learning to process weather sensor data to provide 

“virtual radar” in regions outside NEXRAD coverage.

Presentation A12.e NextGen – Weather Technology in the Cockpit (WITC) 

Presenter Gary Pokodner 

Summary: The WTIC program develops, verifies, and validates requirements for 

incorporation into Minimum Weather Service (MinWxSvc) standards for the cockpit. 

Mr. Pokodner reported that the tracking database of gaps, shortfalls, and 

recommendations has worked very effectively in identifying and prioritizing research. 

Wind accuracy impacts on RTA performance requirements were recently evaluated. 

High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model performance was found to be more 

accurate in descent than expected; minimum RTA requirements were barely met using 

truth winds. When the subcommittee noted the criticality of truth data, Mr. Pokodner 

confirmed that relaxing speed constraints would help meet RTAs. The subcommittee 

also inquired about the source of the 10 second RTA requirement, which Mr. Pokodner 

provided before the NASOPs meeting concluded. This research will be expanded to 

consider additional aircraft, altitudes, scenarios, data sources, and regions. The Tactical 

Turbulence (TT) Notification study demonstrated that pilots were prompted to seek 

information earlier. Current Part 121/135 research focuses on developing methodology 

to assess the magnitude of oceanic and remote region operational shortfalls and 

associated MET information gaps. Recommendations were developed and coding 

initiated for GA app content and capabilities during the landing phase. A weather 

information latency demonstrator is being developed under PEGASAS (GA Center of 

Excellence). Next steps include developing and demonstrating immersive skills in 

support of planned skills based immersive training in FY17. The PEGASAS adverse 

weather notifications project demonstrated benefit with 70% of pilots finding the 

notifications useful. The subcommittee inquired regarding UAS considerations, to which 

Mr. Pokodner reported that WTIC had not received any funding for UAS research and 

has not received approval to use any existing funding for UAS specific research.

Presentation Review Findings and Recommendations/New Actions

Presenter Steve Bussolari

Discussion – Mr. Bussolari led the subcommittee in a discussion of the two open 

UAS F&Rs. The group elected to close those items when an FAA response is received. 

It was determined that a new F&R will be forwarded recommending continued 

momentum and noting the opportunity and need to leverage RE&D funds for more 

research on UAS integration. 
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Presentation 1A01A Runway Incursion Reduction (RIRP)

Presenter Ben Marple

Summary: The objective of the RIRP program is to reduce the most serious runway 

incursions in support of NTSB Recommendation A-00-66. Mr. Marple reported that 

candidate airport site surveys & new technology evaluations are ongoing to support an

FY17 runway incursion (RI) prevention shortfall analysis. The subcommittee 

recommended that in advance of site selection the FAA calculate preliminary benefits 

estimates for candidate airports to provide a maximum cost of technologies that might 

be considered at each site. They then requested a deep dive on the runway incursion 

cost estimation strategy and RIRP benefits analysis at the next meeting. This resulted 

in the subcommittee electing to close the open RIRP F&R. In FY19 localized/airportwide surveillance and annunciation technologies will be installed at candidate airports. 

The runway safety assessment program completed an analysis of RI causal factors at 

small-medium airports and a technical evaluation of prevention technologies. Research 

is also being initiated to refine concept and develop tools for tower-based and cockpitbased taxi conformance monitoring. Under the Small Airport Surveillance Sensor 

(SASS) project preliminary ground surveillance data was collected at Hanscom Field 

(KBED) and real-time passive Mode S surface and airborne surveillance capabilities 

were demonstrated. 

Presentation NASA Topics - ATD-2 & ATD-3 Program Overview

Presenter Leighton Quon

Summary: Planning for ATD-2 was initiated in early 2014. Mr. Quon noted that ATD-2 

is focused on improving predictability and efficiency while maintaining or improving 

throughput in the Metroplex environment. In May 2014 FAA announced Charlotte 

Douglas International Airport (CLT) as the ATD-2 demonstration site and tech 

transferred surface Collaborative Decision Making to NASA. An initial shadow 

evaluation session with CLT ATCT personnel was conducted at the CLT Lab in July 

2015. ATD-2 will be installed at CLT in September 2016 in advance of the ATD-2 

demonstration which will begin in September 2017. The field demonstration involves 

multiple organizations including the FAA, NASA, American Airlines, Charlotte Douglas 

International Airport, National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), and 

international collaborators. NASA has designed the ATD-2 system to facilitate tech 

transfer to the FAA and ensure the timing is aligned with FAA needs. ATD-3 focuses on 

promoting efficient en route arrival traffic flow in domestic and oceanic airspace. It 

integrates multiple tools including Multi-Flight Common Routes (MFCR), Traffic Aware 

Strategic Aircrew Requests (TASAR), Dynamic Routes for Arrivals in Weather (DRAW), 

and Optimized Route Capability (ORC). NASA will conduct an MFCR SME evaluation in 

October 2016 followed by a HITL simulation in January 2017. 
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Presentation NASA Topics - Unmanned Aerial System Traffic Management 

Concept (UTM)

Presenter Parimal Kopardekar

Summary: Mr. Kopardekar provided an update on the Unmanned Aerial System Traffic 

Management (UTM) concept. The goal of UTM is to conduct research, development 

and testing to identify airspace operations requirements to enable large-scale visual and 

beyond visual line of sight UAS operations in the low-altitude airspace. Low altitude 

operations are envisioned for a multitude of functions including: public safety, deliveries, 

surveillance, weather monitoring, news gathering, agriculture, mapping, disaster relief, 

entertainment and aerial spraying. The concept balances national and regional security, 

safe airspace integration, and scalable operations. UTM provides a cloud-based 

platform to research airspace constraints and information about other UAS operators, 

data exchange among UAS operators and regulators, submission of flight plans, 

coordination of UAS operations within and beyond visual line of sight (LOS), and

airspace integration. UTM will validate airspace requirements including airspace 

configuration (static and dynamic geo-fencing), weather impacts, demand/capacity 

imbalance management, tracking, conflict/hazard detection and avoidance, and 

contingency management. A key outcome of the research will be identification of the 

role and responsibilities of operators, air navigation service providers, and UAS support 

service providers. UTM will define airspace constraints, foster collaboration among 

UAS operators to deconflict their operations, and where warranted, provide air traffic 

control services. The research will progress in a series of increasing capabilities from 

airspace reservation LOS operations over unpopulated areas (Capability 1) to beyond 

LOS operations over urban environments with autonomous large-scale contingency 

mitigation (Capability 4). Mr. Kopardekar reported that in August 2015 NASA conducted 

a demonstration of airspace management of multiple UAS operations; followed by 

management of simultaneous geographically dispersed operations in April 2016. An 

FAA/NASA RTT team has been established with 5 active working groups.

Presentation Complete Recommendations/ Wrap up

Presenter Steve Bussolari

Summary: The subcommittee convened to review findings and recommendations.

Two NASOPs subcommittee UAS Findings and Recommendations remain open 

awaiting FAA response (Spring_2016_1, Fall_2015_2). The RIRP finding and 

recommendation (Fall_2015_1) was closed based on the planned deep dive into the 

RIRP evaluation strategy and preliminary cost estimates for runway incursions. Further 

discussions lead to the development of a new UAS Finding and Recommendation

(Fall_2016_1). It recognizes the FAA has initiated UAS stakeholder community 

engagement and recommends continued momentum through a collaborative 

environment fostered by the sharing of FAA UAS documentation. The finding also 

notes that the FAA has taken steps to establish an agency-wide UAS leadership 

structure. The subcommittee recommends that the FAA use this structure to prioritize 

and plan UAS research and development across budget elements and across 

organizations. The subcommittee set the next two meeting dates for March 21-23, 2017 

and September 12-14, 2017. Mr. Bussolari adjourned the meeting.
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PRIOR ACTION ITEMS

March 2016 NAS Ops Meeting

Action Assigned Status

1) Add the following topics to the August agenda:

a. Deep Dive - Operational Integration Analysis Report 

(OIAs) (Rob Hunt) (30 minutes)

b. Michelle Merkle present 30 minutes on “NAS Vision” 

Presentation (Michelle Merkle) (30 minutes)

c. Deep Dive – Demonstrate Aviation Wx Products. 

Address NextGen integration (Steve Abelman) (1 hour) 

M. Molz Closed

8/9/16

Closed

8/9/16

Open

August 2015 NAS Ops Meeting

Action Assigned Status

1) Inspect the FAA process to move weather concepts from 

requirements to implementation. Determine if the required 

elements are in place and if there are disconnects. Consider 

logistic and level of participation of members on the 

Requirements Management Board. Provide 

recommendations to the subcommittee.

M. Weber

J. Kuchar

Open

CURRENT ACTION ITEMS

August 2016 NAS Ops Meeting

Action Assigned Status

1) Who is part of the Human Factors Roundtable? The 

subcommittee would like a list.

N. Lento Closed 

9/7/16

2) Add to the March agenda: TSAS Projected Benefits 

Follow-Up

• What are the projected benefits of TSAS?

• Describe the FAAs validation strategy for the 

ATDs (Ops Concept Validation ATD)

S. Bradford Open

3) Provide the subcommittee a copy of the UAS 

Implementation plan (when available)

S. Magyarits Open

4) Add to the March agenda: Deep Dive – TBO

• How does the Datacomm strategy fit into the TBO 

holistic strategy?

• Technical brief on what was learned from the 4DT 

study. What metrics were selected?

S. Bradford Open
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Action Assigned Status

5) Add to the March agenda: UAS Research Plans

• What are the plans for UAS research in the next 

two years?

S. Bradford 

S. Magyarits

Open

6) Add to the March agenda: RIRP 

• RIRP benefits analysis, overview of strategy 

runway incursion cost estimates. 

• Invite sponsor (AJI) 

B. Marple Open

7) Add to the March agenda: UTM update

• Provide outcome of NASAs October 2017 UTM 

meeting.

P. Kopardekar Open

8) Add to the March agenda: REDAC Update

• Provide update on progress of REDAC/NARP 

Review effort 

S. Yak Open

9) Provide the subcommittee a copy of the Runway 

Incursion report prepared by MITRE

B. Marple Closed 

9/7/16

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

August 2015 NAS Ops Meeting

Findings Status

1) Runway Incursion Reduction Programs (Fall_2015_1) Closed 

8/10/16

2) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Integration in the NAS

(Fall_2015_2)

Closed 

8/10/16

March 2016 NAS Ops Meeting

Findings Status

1) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) - External Stakeholder 

Integration and System Engineering Leadership (Spring_2016_1)

Open –

Pending official 

FAA Response

August 2016 NAS Ops Meeting

Findings Status

1) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) - Continued momentum, 

leverage UAS leadership structure (Fall_2016_1)

Open
15

ATTENDEES

Subcommittee Members in Attendance:

Steve Bussolari (Chairman)

Joe Bertapelle

John Cavolowsky

Emily Stelzer

James Kuchar

William Leber 

Andres Zellweger

Mark Weber

Bruce Holmes

Others in Attendance: 

Shelley Yak

Jaime Figueroa

Chinita Roundtree-Coleman

Maureen Molz (DFO)

Anton Koros

Kim Fitzpatrick

Wes Wright

Sherri Magyarits

Steven Bradford

Maureen Keegan

Mike Gallivan

Mike Romanowski

Michael Kelly

Daniel Murray

Leighton Quon

Kevin Witzberger

Frank Wondolowski

Maamen Cook

Francis Coyne

Tim Funari

Nick Lento

Stephanie Kreseen

Jerome Lard

Gary Pokodner

Randy Bass

Gregory Pray

Bridget Gee

Amit Choudhri

Ben Marple
16

AGENDA

Tuesday, August 9th (CSSI – John Thomas Room)

TOPIC PRESENTER TIME

Welcome/Overview Steve Bussolari

Maureen Molz 0800-0815

Review of REDAC Recommendations, Responses 

and Open Actions Steve Bussolari 0815-0845

Budget Briefing Mike Gallivan 0845-0915

1A10D NextGen – New Air Traffic Management 

Requirements

Steve Bradford

Francisco Bermudez 0915-0945

Break 0945-1000

UAS Strategic Plans and Near Term Opportunities Maureen Keegan 1000-1030

UAS Flight Information Management System Sherri Magyarits 1030-1100

Commercial Space Transportation Mike Romanowski 1100-1130

1A11 NextGen – Ops Concept Validation 

Modeling/Enterprise Portfolio Proposals FY18 Westley Wright 1130-1200

Lunch 1200-1300

Sub-Committee Discussion Subcommittee 1300-1330

1A01C Operations Concept Validation Rob Hunt 1330-1400

Air Traffic Management ( ATM ) Technology 

Demonstration - 1 ( ATD-1 )

Rob Hunt

John Cavolowsky 1400-1430

Deep Dive – Operational Integration Analysis 

Report (OIAs) Rob Hunt 1430-1500

Break 1500-1515

Sub-Committee Discussion Subcommittee 1515-1545

Dinner 1800

Wednesday, August 10 (NASA HQ)

TOPIC PRESENTER TIME

Review Findings and Recommendations / New 

Actions Steve Bussolari 0800-0830

1A07A0 NextGen ATC/Tech Ops Human Factors Jerome Lard 0830-0900

A11.i Air Traffic Control/Technical Operations 

Human Factors Nick Lento 0900-0930
17

Break 0930-0945

Aviation Weather Research Program (AWRP) Randy Bass 0945-1015

A12.e NextGen – Weather Technology in the 

Cockpit (WTIC) Gary Pokodner 1015-1045

Sub-Committee Discussion Subcommittee 1045-1145

Lunch 1145-1245

1A01A Runway Incursion Reduction (RIRP) Ben Marple 1245-1315

NASA Topics – ATD-2 & ATD-3 Overview Leighton Quon 1315-1415

Unmanned Aerial System Traffic Management 

Concept (UTM) Parimal Kopardekar 1415-1515

Break 1515-1530

Sub-Committee Discussion Subcommittee 1530-1600