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 Contents

• Front Matter
• Executive Summary
• 1. Foundation for Change
• 2. Improving Air Transportation System
• 3. System Modeling and Simulation
• 4. Improving Aircraft Performance
• 5. Process for Change
• Findings, Recommendations, and the Big Question
• Appendix A: Statement of Task and Study Approach
• Appendix B: Comparative Assessment of Goals and Visions
• Appendix C: Biographies of Committee Members
• Appendix D: Propulsion Taxonomy: Comments on Propulsion Fundamentals
• Appendix E: Four Levels of Models
• Appendix F: Acronyms and Abbreviations
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