The FAA’s spending goals for 2008 through 2012 have been outlined in the FAA Capital Investment Plan that provides spending roadmaps for Next Generation Air Transportation System technology. Modernization is the key, according to the FAA, and systems upgrades are a focus. System Wide Information Management (SWIM) and ADS-B “are highlighted” in the plan and the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) program “is acknowledged.” Effective implementation of SWIM and broad use of ADS-B will require replacement of many components of the current en route automation system. “The FAA has replaced the original backup system, which sustains operations if the main en route automation system fails, with a system called EBUS (en route back up system).” The En Route Communications Gateway (ECG) replaced a support computer system, and is now operational. The FAA will be modifying advanced features such as the Traffic Management Advisor (TMA) and User Request Evaluation Tool (URET) to assist controllers in approving direct routes.
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