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Infrastructure Considerations

In October 2020, the FAA Administrator launched the FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative (FAASI) at a safety summit to discuss recommendations the National Transportation Safety Board made about Alaska charter and commuter operations. FAA Administrator Dickson then directed the formation of a group of FAA experts to focus on safety issues particular to Alaska, which resulted in the safety initiative.

Throughout the spring and summer of 2021, the FAA hosted 12 virtual meetings with aviation stakeholders — including pilots, trade associations, airports and state officials — to get their feedback on current and planned safety efforts in Alaska.

Stakeholders underscored the importance of addressing outdated infrastructure, specifically communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS). One individual Stakeholder noted the difference in surveillance capabilities by Air Traffic compared to the Continental United States, “The best way to improve safety in Alaska is to improve infrastructure. Specifically, radar and preventing blackout areas.”

Challenges were identified in adding CNS capabilities to remote areas of Alaska where other necessary element of safe operations are not feasible, and the lack of reliable coverage for ADS-B equipment throughout Alaska.

Read more in the FAASI Final Report