Securing the Future of U.S. Air Transportation

As recently as the summer of 2001, many travelers were dreading air transportation because of extensive delays associated with undercapacity of the system. That all changed on 9/11, and demand for air transportation has not yet returned to peak levels. Most U.S. airlines continue to struggle for survival, and some have filed for bankruptcy. The situation makes it difficult to argue that strong action is urgently needed to avert a crisis of undercapacity in the air transportation system. This report assesses the visions and goals for U.S. civil aviation and technology goals for the year 2050.Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1. Foundation for Change2. Improving Air Transportation System3. System Modeling and Simulation4. Improving Aircraft Performance5. Process for ChangeFindings, Recommendations, and the Big QuestionAppendix A: Statement of Task and Study ApproachAppendix B: Comparative Assessment of Goals and VisionsAppendix C: Biographies of Committee MembersAppendix D: Propulsion Taxonomy: Comments on PropulsionFundamentalsAppendix E: Four Levels of ModelsAppendix F: Acronyms and Abbreviations