Bill Overview
Title: Dynamic Airspace Pilot Program Act of 2022
Description: This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a pilot program on developing and testing dynamic management of special activity airspace to accommodate emerging military training requirements through flexible scheduling and increase access to special activity airspace used by the Department of Defense (DOD) for test and training. Under the pilot program, the FAA and DOD must jointly test at least three areas of episodic or permanent special activity airspace designated for use by DOD, including at least two areas over U.S. land and one over U.S. coastal waters. Any increase in access to airspace made available for test and training shall not conflict with the safe management of the national airspace system or the safety of stakeholders of the system.
Sponsors: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Target Audience
Population: people involved or impacted by U.S. military airspace activities
Estimated Size: 250000
- The bill involves the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense, indicating its direct impact on these agencies and their operations.
- The dynamic airspace management will affect military operations and training exercises, directly involving military personnel.
- By increasing access to special activity airspace, the bill indirectly impacts civilian aviation stakeholders and could influence commercial airlines if flight paths or airspace usage are adjusted.
- Areas over U.S. land and waters are specified, indicating a geographic focus on U.S. regions where such airspace activities occur.
- While the bill focuses on U.S. airspace, changes in military airspace management and training could have implications for global military operations if the U.S. coordinates with allied nations or impacts shared airspace.
Reasoning
- The policy focuses on U.S. airspace management, directly impacting military operations and stakeholders in the aviation industry.
- Military personnel will see a direct impact on their training schedules due to changes in airspace management.
- Civilian aviation could be indirectly impacted through changes in commercial flight operations affecting routes and schedules.
- Budget constraints mean that significant impacts are likely to concentrate in areas with established military training facilities.
- Most individuals outside the aviation and defense sectors will experience low or negligible direct impacts.
Simulated Interviews
Air Traffic Controller (Virginia)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This program seems like a good step to better manage the airspace as long as it prioritizes safety.
- There might be some changes in my workload with increased coordination, but I feel confident in handling it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Commercial Pilot (California)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We might face some new restrictions or detours, but clear communication from FAA should minimize disruptions.
- Managing these airspaces dynamically could potentially reduce delays over time.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Military Personnel (Florida)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy should enhance our training capabilities by offering more flexible training options.
- Safety is crucial, and I trust the FAA and DOD collaboration will keep it a priority.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Airport Operations Manager (Chicago)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My team’s priority is ensuring flights operate smoothly. This program might increase our responsibilities, but I see potential benefits in efficiency.
- I hope the transparency from the FAA continues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Environmental Scientist (Texas)
Age: 51 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The expansion of military training airspace needs careful monitoring to mitigate environmental impacts.
- I am concerned about increased noise pollution and disturbances.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Drone Operator (Colorado)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful this will lead to clearer guidelines and more predictable schedules for accessing airspace.
- This initiative could improve my operational efficiency.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Airline Pilot (New York)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I am no longer flying, I think this program could lead to useful advancements in air traffic management.
- My concerns are primarily around maintaining safety above all.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Public Policy Analyst (North Carolina)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this as a strategic move to enhance defense readiness without significant public backlash.
- Close monitoring of fiscal impacts and environmental consequences will be important.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Military Strategist (Washington)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is an excellent opportunity to modernize how we manage airspace and enhance operational readiness.
- The cost will be justified by improved efficiency and strategic advantages.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Private Pilot Student (Alabama)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am curious about how this will influence my training schedule and potential delays.
- Clear updates from instructors should help alleviate any concerns.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $35000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $40000000)
Year 3: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 5: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Collaboration between the FAA and DOD is crucial for the successful implementation of the pilot program.
- Potential safety risks need careful management to avoid conflict with civilian airspace usage.
- Evaluation metrics for the pilot program will be essential to determine success and scalability.