DayJet, which operates an on-demand charter fleet of Eclipse VLJs, said on Tuesday that it has signed an agreement to work with the FAA and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to deploy NextGen technologies throughout the state of Florida over the next five years. The project will serve as a proving ground for the technology, to develop procedures and wring out any problems, and it will help smooth the way for nationwide deployment over the next 15 years. The FAA’s Hank Krakowski, the head of the Air Traffic Organization, said at AOPA’s fly-in last weekend that as a pilot himself, he will keep the needs of GA pilots in mind as the NextGen system evolves. NextGen will create more access to airspace, more options for pilots, and increased efficiency, he said: “That’s the promise of the new technologies.”
AOPA President Phil Boyer said at the fly-in that his staff will keep a close watch on the evolution of NextGen to ensure that GA pilots benefit from the changes, and are not saddled with too many costs for new equipment. DayJet President and CEO Ed Iacobucci said on Tuesday, “We are proud to leverage our technology and expertise to help the nation enter the new age of digital aviation.”
