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6. Conclusion
It is possible to improve the existing air space system up to a point. NASA and the FAA are collaborating to make traveling by air safe and more efficient using many new systems, procedures and technologies. Some of these have already been tested at airports in the United States and are now in everyday use, while others are still being tested.

NASA's mission in Aviation Operations Systems is to continue to collaborate with the FAA and aircraft operators to meet the nation's expanding air transportation demands by developing pioneering concepts and technologies that improve safety, increase efficiency and are environmentally friendly. Changes in technology and changes in the current airspace system are necessary. Many new technologies are being studied with some already in place at airports. A systemic reform of the NAS is needed. A new Air Traffic/Air Space Operations paradigm is necessary.

There are many more questions than answers concerning our National Airspace System. The FAA in collaboration with NASA continues to explore the answers to the important questions given below.

Click on each question for answers currently being explored through NASA research.

• Can the current air traffic management system safely and efficiently move more and more passengers through its already congested skyways?
• Can the present system safely allow aircraft to fly closer together in time and distance?
• Can the present system expedite the flow of aircraft on the ground?
• Would building more runways solve the problems?
• Would building more airports solve the problems?
• Would the development of more efficient ground transportation systems solve the problems?
• Would larger aircraft carrying more people solve the problems?
• Would the development of smaller easy to fly "personal" aircraft using smaller airports reduce the overcrowding at larger airports?
• Should aircraft be allowed to fly directly to their destinations and not follow Federal Airway Routes?
• What new technologies need to be developed?

The goal of NASA and the FAA is to further develop a National Airspace System that is a safe and efficient system where people can travel quickly, easily, and inexpensively; wherever they choose, whenever they want. This could mean a revolutionary new system using innovative new aircraft designs and cutting-edge technology.

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