In search of the future of air traffic control

Despite 16 years of effort and the expenditure of billions of dollars, the US air traffic control system still sorely needs to be updated. This paper examines what has been done, and what still remains on the horizon. In particular the paper discusses High Desert Tracon, one of the 185 civilian terminal radar approach control facilities under the aegis of the FAA in the US air traffic control system, the tracking of military aircraft, and the advanced automation system. The paper also discusses the future of air traffic control including the Center-Tracon Automation System, and the free flight concept.