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Roster - Private
Thursday, January 01, 1970 | 12:00:AM - 12:00:AM PT
Fireside Chat with FAA Deputy Administrator A. Bradley Mims
Firesides & Keynotes
Speaker(s)
A. Bradley Mims, FAA Deputy Administrator
Peter F. Dumont, ATCA President and CEO
In our next installment of ATCA's Virtual Fireside Chat, we take you inside the office of the FAA's new chief NextGen officer, A. Bradley Mims. From COVID-19 recovery to environmental sustainability, bring your questions (and your lunch!) to this can't miss session with ATCA President and CEO Pete Dumont.
To date the air transportation system has evolved from a procedural system focused on safety, to a system that relied more heavily on radar for better surveillance, and now to a system that is more trajectory-based management oriented, that is focused on increased efficiency and proactive planning. In order to meet the demands of future operations the system will need to become a more collaborative, connected, performance-based system and eventually a highly automated system that will depend heavily on human-machine integration and more machine-to-machine interactions. As the system evolves there will be many technical challenges that will need to be overcome. This panel will look at the impending issues expected to occur as it evolves to a more futuristic and capable system.
ATCA Tech Talk Hour
Firesides & Keynotes
Free Content
Tech Talk #1: Leveraging Digital Engineering and Trans-disciplinary Thinking
Presenter: Dr. Douglas Orellana, ManTech
Abstract: In order to meet the rapid emerging requirements of a collaborative unmanned, space and traditional ATM operations, National Airspace System (NAS) needs to leverage digital engineering (DE) to modernize how current and future NAS requirements and solutions are assessed for performance, safety, sustainability, flexibility and scalability across the emerging airspace paradigm. By using transdisciplinary thinking, we allow for innovations and new type of solutions to emerge to solve for social-cyber-physical gaps. Digital technologies like Multi-Disciplinary Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) and Digital Twins provide an opportunity to explore the problem and solutions space providing comparisons of alternatives at a rapid pace. You are now able to compare ten to hundreds of solutions understanding where the pareto front is and uncovering new innovations that once before were too costly to uncover.
Tech Talk #2: The Potential and Practical Applications of Virtual and Augmented Reality in the NAS
Presenter: Tony Tisdall, JMA Solutions
Abstract: Recent events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have not only accelerated the need for both short-term and long-term continuity planning but have also led to the acceleration of the digital disruption movement. This presentation focuses on presenting virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) solutions to two challenges. These challenges include improving the resiliency of the National Airspace System (NAS) in the face of disruptive events, as well as addressing the needs of new entrants and students of the NAS, who have grown up in a digital mixed media world and are not now easily connecting with traditional curriculums. Three case studies will be presented, including the use of VR and AR in ATC training, satellite and radar repair training, as well as youth Part-107 and UAS pilot training.
Intelligent Airspace with AI: From Bots to Safety Critical Operations
Panel Sessions
Speaker(s)
Nils Maeurer
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Moderator: Kevin Niewoehner
L3Harris Technologies
Dr. Misty Davies
NASA
Dr. Chuchu Fan
MIT
Lidiya Gavrilenko
FAA
Robert V. Jones
PReSafe Technologies
Daniel Mielke
DLR
Public Law 115-254, The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, states: “It is the sense of Congress that the Administration should, in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies and industry stakeholders, periodically review the use or proposed use of artificial intelligence technologies within the aviation system and assess whether the Administration needs a plan regarding artificial intelligence standards and best practices to carry out its mission.” Join us as we consider the myriad potential aviation applications, from advisory bots to safety critical operations, and take an in-depth look at the technical underpinnings of this exciting field. Panelists will explore how the domestic and global aviation industry will evolve and transform - both technically and operationally - as AI-applications are integrated with flight operations. This session draws from diverse business affiliations, disciplinary expertise, and personal backgrounds. BASELINE QUESTIONS FOR THE PANEL: • Other than the Legislative mandate, why is this a good idea? What is driving this need and why is this timely? • What primary benefits do we envision from integration of this technology across a variety of applications domains- from bots to safety critical operations? • How do we see safety certification advancing within an AI-enhanced system? More specifically, what organizations are stepping forward to advance AI Standards and Best Practices to support development of a regulatory framework for AI adoption in a safety critical environment, i.e. aviation?
Rapid Development & Deployment (RDD): The Role of DevSecOps and User-Centered Design in a System-centric World
Panel Sessions
Speaker(s)
Tech Talk Presenter: Tracy Bannon
The MITRE Corp
Moderator: David Almeida
LS Technologies
Shirley Burgess
PMO
FAA
Joshua Gustin
PMO
FAA
Luci Holemans
TechOps
FAA
Eric Hoover
Aeronautical and Wether Services Verification Branch
FAA
Dan Murphy
NAS Operations
FAA
The emergence of cloud infrastructure, service orientation via SWIM, Agile methodology and shift to integrating cyber security into development are innovating system development processes. User-centered design is the next step to innovating and advancing FAA modernization, enabling the DevSecOps concept into the FAA’s environment. The flexibility of microservices, agile processes, and the facility DevSecOps toolchains transform every aspect of systems development and will play a growing role in FAA Automation Evolution. Although shifting from a systems-centric to user-centered design may have worked in commercial applications development, can this design paradigm support the technical rigors and acquisition discipline regulating FAA systems development? It can and it will – as a digital transformation enabler for the NAS. This panel will explore how recent cloud deployment activities, cyber-safety considerations and validation & verification approaches are converging to form a foundation for NAS transformation. We’ll discuss enabling strategies and potential impediments to make user-centered design technically capable, compliant in acquisition and viable in deployment while modernizing and preserving the safety of our nation’s airspace.
Time-Based Operations and Collaborative Decision-Making Solutions to Integrate Launch and Reentry Missions into the NAS
Firesides & Keynotes
Speaker(s)
Duane Freer
FAA Command Center
Rebecca Guy
FAA ATO
As the number of space vehicle launches increases, the FAA plays an important role in addressing the current and future impact on the National Aerospace System (NAS). The FAA Space Operations team finds innovative solutions to integrate launch and reentry missions by partnering with industry and identifying real-time operational efficiencies, ultimately supporting safe and resilient NAS. Join us and sit down with ATO Space Operations Manager Duane Freer as he discusses the improvements the FAA is making now while simultaneously building for the future. Bring your questions and be part of the conversation!
R&D: Paving the Way to a More Sustainable, Resilient NAS
Panel Sessions
Speaker(s)
Moderator: Ian Trim
Guidehouse
Robert Boyd
IATA
Al Capps
NASA
Nancy Young
Airlines for America
Kevin Welsh
FAA
Abigail Smith
FAA
Dr. Karen Thole
Penn State University
The Biden Administration and Congress are considering significant policy agendas towards a more modern, sustainable infrastructure that, if enacted, have the potential to create seismic impacts across our society. Government and industry have already made significant R&D investments towards developing and commercializing technologies to reduce the environmental impact of NAS operations. In this discussion, panelists will share their perspective on the future of sustainability in the aviation industry and highlight some of the exciting new technologies that will enable a greener, more resilient NAS.
While the NAS already operates at the highest safety levels, numerous factors will further improve aviation safety: modern aircraft design, new pilot operating procedures, ATC enhancements, and heightened industry awareness and collaboration. In addition, advances in the meteorology community have also contributed to not only safety but more efficient NAS operations as well. While new weather models are emerging, significant gaps still exist in weather forecasting for certain geographic areas, select altitudes, or specific phenomena.
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM)/urban air mobility (UAM) operations will fly at lower altitudes and around urban areas where unique weather patterns will have greater impact on these vehicles because of their smaller size. UAS and AAM operators will require different types of weather data and delivery methods. Commercial industry is developing novel methods for collecting weather observations through innovative surveillance options, crowdsourcing observations from alternative sources, and new airborne observations from unmanned platforms or commercial mini (radar) satellites. Our panelists will discuss what necessary weather information requirements are necessary to support these new operations and how these innovative breakthrough could service the operational needs of the NAS today and the NAS in 2035, 2045, and beyond.
As 2025 draws closer, we have started to shift our focus on the mid- to long-term future of the National Aerospace System (NAS). The FAA and NASA are collaborating together and with industry to ensure this next age of aviation continues to foster innovation, connectivity, and new workforce programs. Join RTCA President and CEO Terry McVenes as he sits down with Associate Administrator Bob Pearce, NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, and FAA Associate Administrator for NextGen, Pamela Whitley. Bring your questions and be part of the conversation!
Keynote Address: Andrew Wishnia, Esq., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Climate Policy U.S. Department of Transportation
Firesides & Keynotes
Speaker(s)
Andrew Wishnia, Esq
U.S. Department of Transportation
Andrew Wishnia serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Climate Policy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy in the U.S. Department of Transportation. Wishnia previously served at the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, including as Senior Policy Advisor, and also served at the Federal Highway Administration as Special Assistant for Policy to the FHWA Administrator, and as a Senior Program Manager at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Wishnia previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives as a legislative assistant to Congressman John Yarmuth, now Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on the Budget.
Keynote Address: Dr. Vint Cerf, Chief Internet Evangelist, Google
Firesides & Keynotes
Speaker(s)
Dr. Vint Cerf
Google
In 2021, we take for granted the enormous capabilities and opportunities that the internet provides. Young people today have never lived without it. Connectivity is everywhere you look, from your doctor’s office to the café down the street to the traffic lights and, of course, the smartphone in your hand. This invisible infrastructure has enabled incredible things and has benefited the transportation sector, and aviation in particular, in countless ways. Join Google’s Chief Internet Evangelist, Dr. Vint Cerf, one of the founding fathers of the internet, to explore the early days of the internet and the infrastructure, R&D, and operations that enabled and are enabled by it. What lessons can we learn as we continue to modernize the digital National Aerospace System?
Data Analytics for a Predictive ATM Ecosystem: The Power of Actionable Information
Panel Sessions
Speaker(s)
Moderator: Dave Knorr
FAA
Tech Talk: Martin Bowman
Deloitte
Dr. Shahrzad Ahmadi
Shipcom Wireless
Jeff Chen
Nordic Entertainment Group
Kenneth Kranz
Cognizant
Dr. Arlene Espinal
ManTech
Jeff Woods
NATCA
As we move into the digital transformation of our aviation ecosystem, how do we take advantage of, or “valuetize,” the massive amounts of data our system already produces and will produce in the future? This is more than the big data story. How can we apply data analytic strategies to our ecosystem that can help drive us from a reactive ATM environment to a more predictive ATM environment? This is absolutely key as we start looking at the future ecosystem with the integration of UTM, UAM, and commercial space while still maintaining a safe and efficient NAS.
ATCA Women in Aviation Technology Networking Event
Free Content
Networking & Special Events
Across aviation's many sectors, women contribute to the success and innovation of the world's airspace each and every day. We are excited to host our third ATCA Women in Aviation Technology event at the ATCA Tech Symposium to continue providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for women in aviation, and especially tech fields, to network and share their successes, enhance and inspire leadership, and advance their careers within
aviation and the aeronautical sciences. This networking event is open to all and free of charge. If you have ideas on how to promote women in technology, join us and share your thoughts!
The straight scoop on a productive week exploring the key issues in aviation technology! Join ATCA and the Tech Symposium co-chairs, NASA and the FAA, to review the most important takeaways, goals, and ideas from the 2021 ATCA Virtual Technical Symposium.