How We're Optimizing the Airspace Above Our Cities

What is OAPM?

Following the recommendations of the Aviation community the FAA created an initiative called the Optimization of the Airspace and Procedures in the Metroplex (OAPM).

A Metroplex is a geographic area covering several airports, serving major metropolitan areas and a diversity of aviation stakeholders. Congestion, airport activity in close geographical proximity, and other limiting factors such as environmental constraints combine to reduce efficiency in busy Metroplexes. Watch this video to learn more.

An optimization of the air space will analyze and provide solutions to these issues on a regional scale, rather than focusing on a single airport or set of procedures. It takes into account all airports and airspace that support metropolitan area operations, including connectivity with other Metroplexes.

The Plan will consider a myriad of factors including safety, efficiency, capacity, access and environmental considerations.

Based on feedback from major industry drivers, it was decided that a collaborative approach for optimization using Performance Based Navigation (PBN) procedures combined with airspace redesign would deliver the most efficient operation and benefits to the selected Metroplex.

How do you optimize the Airspace?

The Optimization Plan consists of two types of teams.

Study Teams, made up of controllers, pilots, airport operations and technical team, will analyze a Metroplex’s operational challenges and situations and explore the opportunities.

Study Teams will make recommendations based on the individual needs of the airspace and the users. Design and Implementation Teams will execute the optimization and Airspace projects identified as top priorities for specific Metroplexes. A key characteristic of both types of teams will be the inclusion of industry, a cross-section of FAA expertise, and labor.

Prototype Study Teams completed work at Washington D.C. and North Texas in late 2010. The first mature Study Teams have just finished up at Charlotte, NC and Northern California. Houston, Atlanta, and Southern California Study Teams will complete their work by the end of 2011.

Design and Implementation Teams begin work will be able to provide very detailed information on expected enhancements and committed improvements in the airspace and procedures areas.

This transformative change in the management and operation of how we fly will create a more predictable system, save fuel, and lower carbon emissions.