ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF FUTURE CIVIL AIR NAVIGATION SYSTEMS

This report updates and consolidates the economic analyses of three previous FAA/METREK studies related to future domestic air navigation. Subsequent to the writing of one of these reports, which demonstrated the benefits of VORTAC modernization, the Airway Facilities Service (AAF) made significant revisions to both the F/E and O/M cost estimates for VORTAC modernization. The FAA also updated its estimate of distribution of VOR and DME among the general aviation population. This report documents the impact of these changes. There are no significant changes to both LORAN-C and GPS avionics cost estimates at this time. The study shows that there is no cost advantage in replacing the present VOR/DME system unless more stringent needs, such as area navigation, coverage and accuracy become necessary. Based on the estimated avionics costs the results show that the total cumulative costs (discounted at 10%) to the user plus government, for the various alternatives studied from the year 1985-2010, range from $695 million for VOR/DME, and $865 million for LORAN-C, to $970 million for GPS. It is further shown that if either LORAN or GPS ever become the primary air navigation system, then keeping the VOR for general aviation for a lengthy transition period would be economically attractive. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  Mitre Corporation

  Metrek Division, 1820 Dolley Madison Boulveard
  McLean, VA  United States  22102
• Authors:
  • Joglekar, A N
  • Seiler III, K
• Publication Date: 1977-12

Media Info

• Pagination: 35 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air traffic control; Aircraft pilotage; Avionics; Civil aviation; Cost estimating; Distance measuring equipment; Domestic; Economic analysis; Equipment replacement; Estimates; Global Positioning System; Loran; Loran C; Planning; Radio navigation; Radio stations; Tactical air navigation system; Very high frequency
• Uncontrolled Terms: Replacement
• Old TRIS Terms: Omnidirectional; Vhf omnidirectional range; Vortac
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Economics; Maintenance and Preservation; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00176228
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FAA-EM-78-6 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FA78WA-4075
• Files: NTIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 19 1978 12:00AM