Eric Gehringer

ATC Update The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will reportedly announce a plan next week outlining how it plans to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system, addressing infrastructure, safety, and efficiency challenges.

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CommuteAir Flight 4339, operating as a United Express service, overran runway 34 at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport during a rainy landing on September 24, 2025. Despite carrying 50 passengers and 3 crew, everyone remained unharmed thanks to the EMAS safety system designed to safely decelerate overrunning aircraft. The flight faced challenges from delays starting on the ground, changing weather conditions, and a critical last-minute switch in landing runway. A notable point in the preliminary NTSB report is the disagreement between the captain and first officer during the unstable approach phase, where the first officer called for a go-around twice but the captain continued the landing. The incident underlines the importance of Crew Resource Management and clear communication in high-pressure situations. The investigation by the NTSB and participating agencies will focus on human factors, operational decisions, and weather adaptation. This case reiterates the vital role technology like EMAS plays in preventing injuries and severe damage while also emphasizing ongoing improvement areas in pilot decision-making and runway safety protocols. #CommuteAir #Roanoke #AviationSafety Read more: https://lnkd.in/eFvXHAUh

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Engineers at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have developed a compact, integrated liquid hydrogen system for aircraft, addressing fuel storage, cooling, and delivery in one design, potentially enabling practical zero-emission hydrogen-powered flight. Designed for a hybrid-electric 100-passenger aircraft, the system achieves a 0.62 gravimetric index, meaning 62% of its mass is usable hydrogen, and uses the fuel itself to cool superconducting components, eliminating the need for extra weight or pumps. Simulations confirm the setup can meet high power demands during takeoff without mechanical pumps, and a prototype is now planned under NASA’s Integrated Zero Emission Aviation program in collaboration with top U.S. universities.

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Earlier this month, ATCA leadership had productive meetings with senior officials at the Federal Aviation Administration to discuss the critical need for meaningful investment in our nation's air traffic control infrastructure. We were honored to meet with Chris Rocheleau, FAA Administrator (Acting), Pete Hearding, Acting Chief of Staff and Deputy Assistant Administrator for Policy, International Affairs & Environment, and Christopher Senn, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Government & Industry Affairs. During our discussions, we emphasized that continual and rapid modernization of U.S. air traffic control infrastructure is essential to provide state-of-the-art tools that can safely meet growing air travel demand, which is increasing at a compounded rate of 6% annually. We highlighted how American industry is uniquely positioned to deliver this transformation. Our member companies have already deployed best-in-class air traffic management technology and services to ANSPs around the world. Now is the time to bring this innovation home to strengthen the safety, efficiency, and global competitiveness of our National Airspace System. The path forward is clear: strategic investment in modernization today will ensure America maintains its leadership position in global aviation, creates high-quality jobs, and builds a system capable of handling tomorrow's traffic demands. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the FAA and other stakeholders to turn this vision into reality. The aviation industry's future—and America's competitive edge—depends on it. #AirTrafficControl #AviationSafety #ATCModernization #ATCA #ATM #AviationIndustry #FAA #NationalAirspaceSystem

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Big news from Duncan Aviation! ✈️ Our Technical Education Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, has officially been approved as an FAA Testing Center, giving team members and students direct, on-site access to essential FAA exams. This new designation means added convenience for our team members and a stronger partnership with local aviation schools. Future pilots, mechanics, instructors, and engineers can now continue advancing their training without leaving the community. FAA Testing Centers play a vital role in aviation by providing a secure, standardized environment for Airman Knowledge Tests (AKTs), a requirement for many certifications and career milestones. At Duncan Aviation, we’re committed to supporting growth and development at every stage of the aviation journey. Becoming an FAA Testing Center is one more way we’re turning that commitment into action. #DuncanAviation #FAA

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Pond Selected for FAA Nationwide A-E Services Contracts Pond has been awarded two indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts, Tier 1 MAC IDIQ and Tier 2 MAC IDIQ, by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supporting nationwide projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Facilities and Equipment (F&E) initiatives. Through these contracts, Pond will support the FAA’s efforts to maintain and modernize critical aviation infrastructure across the United States. The scope of work includes a wide range of professional services, comprising design development, facility assessments, site planning, engineering studies, and construction support for both existing and new facilities. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eNFy4kMF.

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Good read from Brookings on the need for FAA air traffic control (ATC) reform. It highlights the structural inefficiencies of the current system, including delayed modernization, unstable funding, and political interference; while underscoring the need for a new governance model. Although the article calls for an organization that operates like a public utility or government corporation, I believe a federally-charted nonprofit to be the best answer. https://lnkd.in/gchmpkTi

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🪏 GROUNDBREAKING 🪏 Today marked the groundbreaking of a new, state-of-the-art air traffic control tower at Martin State Airport . The $22 million project, made possible by Gov. Wes Moore's budget, additional transportation revenues from the General Assembly and federal funds, will enhance safety and efficiency for both air traffic controllers and pilots. The new tower “is a great accomplishment for the Maryland Aviation Administration in further improving the safety of our skies, keeping our system in working order and uplifting the state’s economy,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. The existing tower is more than 80 years old and is among the oldest active air traffic control towers in the country. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3QKbZq6

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