Agenda Symp

» SCHEDULE: Monday, May 17, 2021
9 AM – 5 PM	FAA Tech Center Week	See live and on-demand pre-recorded sessions from the William J. Hughes Technical Center - the nation's premier air transportation system laboratory.
10 AM – 5 PM	Interactive Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion Open	Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion Open The Tech Symposium Interactive Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion will be live during the event for you to meet with, speak to, and see exhibitors and their technology offerings.
10 – 10:15 AM	Symposium Begins	Welcome and Opening Remarks Abigail Glenn-Chase, Director of Programming, ATCA Peter F. Dumont, President and CEO, ATCA
10:15 – 10:45 AM	Symposium Session	FAA Remarks Pamela Whitley, Assistant Administrator for NextGen, FAA Shelley Yak, Executive Director, FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center
10:45 – 11:15 AM	Symposium Session	NASA Remarks Akbar Sultan, Director, Airspace Operations and Safety Program, NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD)
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM	Interactive Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion	Networking Break with Exhibitors
1 – 2 PM	Symposium Session	Fireside Chat with FAA Deputy Administrator A. Bradley Mims Peter F. Dumont, President and CEO, ATCA A. Bradley Mims, Deputy Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)	Read the Abstract
3 – 4:15 PM	Symposium Session	The Digital Transformation of Our ATM System Moderator: Capt. Craig Drew Panelists: Todd Donovan, Thales Rebecca Guy, FAA LeAnn Ridgeway, Collins Aerospace Jeffrey Schweitzer, Verizon Cheryl Quinn, NASA	Read the Abstract

» SCHEDULE: Tuesday, May 18, 2021
9 AM – 5 PM	FAA Tech Center Week	See on-demand pre-recorded sessions from the William J. Hughes Technical Center - the nation's premier air transportation system laboratory.
9 AM – 5 PM	Interactive Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion Open	Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion Open
9 – 10:30 AM	Symposium Session	ATCA Roundtable Discussion #1 - ATM Infrastructure: Digital and Physical Table Leads: Chris Giacoponello, Ground-Based Aviation Infrastructure Coalition Amy Gusky, PMO, FAA Dr. Parimal "PK" Kopardekar, NASA Hon. Donna McLean, PlanzerMcLean EVENT IS FULL. Email us to join the waitlist Please note, this event has a separate registration process. It is free to attend but you must also be registered for the Tech Symposium.	Read the Abstract

11 – 11:45 AM	Symposium Session	Tech Talk: Leveraging Digital Engineering and Trans-disciplinary Thinking Presenter: Dr. Douglas Orellana, ManTech Tech Talk: The Potential and Practical Applications of Virtual and Augmented Reality in the NAS Presenter: Tony Tisdall, JMA Solutions	Read the Abstract

12 – 3 PM	FAA Tech Center Tuesday	FAA Tech Center Tuesday Virtual Atrium Experience Please note, this event has a separate registration process. It is free to attend but you must also be registered for the Tech Symposium. Register for Tech Center Tuesday HERE.	Learn More Here
12:30 – 2 PM	Symposium Session	Intelligent Airspace with AI: From Bots to Safety Critical Operations Tech Talk: Nils Maeurer, German Aerospace Center (DLR) Moderator: Kevin Niewoehner, L3Harris Technologies Panelists: Dr. Misty Davies, NASA Dr. Chuchu Fan, MIT Lidiya Gavrilenko, FAA Robert V. Jones, PReSafe Technology Daniel Mielke, DLR	Read the Abstract
2 – 3 PM	Interactive Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion	Networking Break in the Live Exhibit Hall
3 – 4:30 PM	Symposium Session	Rapid Development & Deployment (RDD): The Role of DevSecOps and User-Centered Design in a System-centric World Tech Talk Presenter: Tracy Bannon, The MITRE Corp Moderator: David Almeida, LS Technologies Panelists: Shirley Burgess, PMO, FAA Joshua Gustin, PMO, FAA Luci Holemans, TechOps, FAA Eric Hoover, Aeronautical and Weather Services Verification Branch, FAA Dan Murphy, NAS Operations, FAA	Read the Abstracts

» SCHEDULE: Wednesday, May 19, 2021
9 AM – 5 PM	FAA Tech Center Week	See on-demand pre-recorded sessions from the William J. Hughes Technical Center - the nation's premier air transportation system laboratory
10 AM – 5 PM	Interactive Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion Open	Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion Open
10 – 11 AM	Symposium Session	Time-Based Operations and Collaborative Decision-Making Solutions to Integrate Launch and Reentry Missions into the NAS Participants: Rebecca Guy, FAA ATO Duane Freer, FAA Command Center	Read the Abstract
11:45 AM – 1:15 PM	Symposium Session	R&D: Paving the Way to a More Sustainable, Resilient NAS Tech Talk: Abigail Smith, FAA Moderator: Ian Trim, Guidehouse Panelists: Robert Boyd, IATA Al Capps, NASA Dr. Karen Thole, Pennsylvania State University Nancy Young, Airlines for America Kevin Welsh, FAA	Read the Abstract
2 – 3:15 PM	Symposium Session	Alexa... What's the Forecast? Moderator: Ralph Stoffler, Raytheon Technologies Panelists: Rei Goffer, Tomorrow.io Kevin Johnston, FAA Dr. Denver Lobbs, Purdue University Dr. James Pinto, National Center for Atmospheric Research Dr. Colleen Reiche, Quantitative Scientific Solutions Mike Robinson,The MITRE Corporation	Read the Abstract
3:30 – 4:30 PM	Live Interactive Exhibit Hall	Networking Break in the Live Exhibit Hall
3:30 – 5 PM	Symposium Session	ATCA Roundtable Discussion #2 - The Future ATM Operational Environment Table Leads: Nick Flom, Northern Plains UAS Test Site Peter Sachs, FAA Ruby Sayyed, IATA Amit Ganjoo, ANRA EVENT IS FULL. Email us to join the waitlist Please note, this event has a separate registration process. It is free to attend but you must also be registered for the Tech Symposium.	Read the Abstract


5 – 7 PM	Interactive Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion	The JMA Distanced Social Hour Your Hosts: The JMA Team A Sponsored Event featuring Live Entertainment, Raffles, and more! Please note, this event has a separate registration process. It is free to attend but you must also be registered for the Tech Symposium. Sign up for the JMA Distanced Social Hour HERE.	More Event Information Coming Soon



» SCHEDULE: Thursday, May 20, 2021
9 AM – 5 PM	FAA Tech Center Week	See on-demand pre-recorded sessions from the William J. Hughes Technical Center - the nation's premier air transportation system laboratory.
8:30 – 9:30 AM	Symposium Session	Charting Aviation's Future Fireside Chat Facilitator: Terry McVenes, President and CEO, RTCA Participants: Robert Pearce, Associate Administrator, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, NASA Pamela Whitley, Assistant Administrator for NextGen, FAA	Read the Abstracts
9:30 AM – 5 PM	Interactive Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion Open	Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion Open
10:30 – 11 AM	Keynote Address	Keynote Address: Andrew Wishnia, Esq. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Climate Policy U.S. Department of Transportation	Read the Abstract
11 AM – 12 PM	Interactive Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion	Networking Break in the Live Exhibit Hall
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM	Keynote Address	Keynote Address: Dr. Vint Cerf Chief Internet Evangelist Google	Read the Abstract
1:30 – 2:45 PM	Symposium Session	Data Analytics for a Predictive ATM Ecosystem: The Power of Actionable Information Tech Talk: Martin Bowman, Deloitte Moderator: Dave Knorr, FAA Panelists: Shahrzad Ahmadi, Shipcom Wireless Jeff Chen, Nordic Entertainment Group Dr. Arlene Espinal, ManTech Kenneth Kranz, Cognizant Jeff Woods, NATCA	Read the Abstract
3 – 5 PM	Interactive Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion	ATCA Women in Aviation Technology Networking Event PLEASE NOTE: Are you already registered for the Tech Symposium? Then you are fully registered for this event! If you have not registered for the Tech Symposium, you can attend this event for free by registering as an “Exhibit Hall Visitor" for the ATCA Tech Symposium to attend. There is a complimentary registration type to attend the networking event and interactive exhibit hall. Simply select "Exhibit Hall Visitor" to register for free.	See Event Details

» SCHEDULE: Friday, May 21, 2021
9 AM – 5 PM	FAA Tech Center Week	See on-demand pre-recorded sessions from the William J. Hughes Technical Center - the nation's premier air transportation system laboratory.
9 AM – 2 PM	Interactive Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion Open	Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion Open
10 – 11 AM	Interactive Exhibit Hall and Networking Pavilion	Networking Break in the Live Exhibit Hall
11 AM – 12 PM	Symposium Session	ATCA Technical Symposium Buzz Session Facilitator: Abigail Glenn-Chase, ATCA Panelists: Peter F. Dumont, ATCA Jaime Figueroa, William J. Hughes Technical Center Barry Sullivan, NASA	See Session Abstract
12:30 – 2 PM	Symposium Session	ATCA Roundtable Discussion #3 - New Approaches in R&D and V&V Table Leads: Mike Paglione, FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center Dennis Sawyer, The MITRE Corp Al Secen, RTCA EVENT IS FULL. Email us to join the waitlist Please note, this event has a separate registration process. It is free to attend but you must also be registered for the Tech Symposium.	Read the Abstract

ABSTRACTS» Monday, May 17, 2021
1 – 2 PM	Fireside Chat Peter F. Dumont, ATCA President and CEO A. Bradley Mims, FAA Deputy Administrator Abstract: 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 Peter F. Dumont.	Return to Schedule
3 – 4:15 PM	The Digital Transformation of ATM Abstract: 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.	Return to Schedule
ABSTRACTS» Tuesday, May 18, 2021
9 AM – 10:30 PM	ATCA Roundtable Discussion #1: ATM Infrastructure: Digital and Physical Abstract: The backbone of the aviation infrastructure is comprised of a network of safety critical, sensors, ground-based navigation facilities, communications towers, and networks. All of these elements work in concert to provide information to our air traffic controllers. Much like many of our bridges and water transport systems, this critical infrastructure is old and in dire need of replacement. In fact, the US NAS possesses one of the oldest safety critical aviation infrastructure in the world. Following 9/11 and the Great Recession of 2008, the FAA NextGen implementation focused on performance improvements to enable more efficient flight operations in the NAS. Today, we face a new recovery. The evolution of infrastructure must parallel with evolving operational needs of the aviation community and the investigation of new technology platforms and approaches to systemically evolve aviation by prioritizing investments. Infrastructure modernization is more about the supporting elements of the NAS, not those we see with the naked eye. As air traffic is recovering from the most significant downturn in history following the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to look at aviation’s physical and digital infrastructure needs. Join us as industry stakeholders discuss the modernization of the “hidden NAS” and the needs of our aviation system as we enter the digital age of aviation. EVENT IS FULL. Email us to join the waitlist Please note, this event has a separate registration process. It is free to attend but you must also be registered for the Tech Symposium.	Return to Schedule

11 – 11:45 AM	Tech Talk: 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: The Potential and Practical Applications of Virtual and Augmented Reality in the NAS Presenter: Tony Tisdall, JMA Solutions Abstract: Coming soon.	Return to Schedule
12:30 – 2 PM	Intelligent Airspace with AI: From Bots to Safety Critical Operations Abstract: 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?	Return to Schedule
3 – 4:30 PM	Rapid Development & Deployment (RDD): The Role of DevSecOps and User-Centered Design in a System-centric World Abstract: 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.	Return to Schedule
ABSTRACTS» Wednesday, May 19, 2021
10 – 11 AM	Time-Based Operations and Collaborative Decision-Making Solutions to Integrate Launch and Reentry Missions into the NAS Abstract: 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 a 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!	Return to Schedule
11:45 AM – 1:15 PM	R&D: Paving the Way to a More Sustainable, Resilient NAS Abstract: 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.	Return to Schedule
2 – 3:15 PM	Alexa...What's the Forecast? Abstract: 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 beyond.	Return to Schedule
3:30 – 5 PM	ATCA Roundtable Discussion #2: The Future ATM Operational Environment Abstract: The future NAS will enable seamless and agile operations for diverse users from surface to space. Operations that emerged seemingly "out of the blue" are poised to enter the NAS with recent rules taking effect for remotely identifying unmanned aerial systems (UAS), as well as enabling small drones to fly over people and at night. The current approach of segmenting who flies where, such as below 400 AGL for unmanned operations, provides near-term safety and security, but as yet does not fundamentally change the surface-to-space operations environment. Ensuring a safe and secure airspace entails grasping the full breadth of the characteristics of the future NAS. The services required by heterogenous operations may vary with airspace. While some capabilities related to communication and surveillance are uniformly required at all times, the airspace itself may dictate different service levels, depending on a given operation's performance characteristics; complexity and density of airspace; and environmental impacts, such as micro-weather climates; and national and public interest. From the holistic NAS perspective, the individual needs of new entrants and current aviators must be viewed against the requirement for a safe, secure, and efficient airspace. Grasping the characteristics of the future NAS at the capability level will enable a safe and efficient airspace that supports capacity and the increasingly heterogeneous operations. Join us and explore the challenges and opportunities in the future ATM operational environment. EVENT IS FULL. Email us to join the waitlist Please note, this event has a separate registration process. It is free to attend but you must also be registered for the Tech Symposium.	Return to Schedule
ABSTRACTS» Thursday, May 20, 2021
8:30 – 9:30 AM	Charting Aviation's Future Fireside Chat Abstract: 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 Assistant Administrator for NextGen, Pamela Whitley. Bring your questions and be part of the conversation!	Return to Schedule
10:30 – 11 AM	Keynote Address: Andrew Wishnia, Esq., DoT Deputy Secretary for Climate Policy Abstract: 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.	Return to Schedule
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM	Keynote Address: Dr. Vint Cerf, Google Abstract: 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?	Return to Schedule
1:30 – 3 PM	Data Analytics for a Predictive ATM Ecosystem Abstract: 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.	Return to Schedule
ABSTRACTS» Friday, May 21, 2021
11 AM – 12 PM	ATCA Technical Symposium Buzz Session	Return to Schedule
	*Abstract:* 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.
12:30 – 2 PM	ATCA Roundtable Discussion #3: New Approaches in R&D and V&V Abstract: Research and development (R&D) is supporting the burgeoning market of new aircraft and traffic management systems. More efficient flight routes and electric aircraft are making aviation more sustainable than ever before. To further realize these gains, however, we must focus our efforts on facilitating the transition from R&D to real-time operations. That transition is proving challenging, as technology development is outpacing current airspace system standards. Developing mechanisms to ensure technology, market demand, and standards work together to integrate new entrants may prove fruitful in a smooth transition. One area that may facilitate a more rapid understanding by regulators and operators of safe and secure operations is to engage system users and stakeholders in early concept exploration activities, both for simulations and for actual testing. Some near-term activities that support the development of standards and support the process for certifying 3rd-party systems are entering the sphere of R&D: hack-a-thons, fly-offs, and competitions, and qualitative research with market players. Ensuring the right players are at the table to support decisions moving from R&D to operations is essential to enable integration. Close discussion is likewise needed from the perspective of R&D funding. Funding for the development of novel aircraft has predominantly come from private entities. However, development of traditional ATM systems tended to align with large-scale federal procurements. With the possibility that traffic management for drones, advanced air mobility, and commercial space will be owned and operated by private entities, a timeline outside of a federal procurement still presents some uncertainties. Join us at this ATCA BSI Roundtable for robust discussion on the fundamental requirements to support new traffic systems while ensuring safety, security, and efficiency for all. EVENT IS FULL. Email us to join the waitlist Please note, this event has a separate registration process. It is free to attend but you must also be registered for the Tech Symposium.	Return to Schedule

NEW DATES : December 1 – 3, 2020 | resorts hotel • atlantic city, nj

JOIN US FOR TECH SYMPOSIUM PROGRAMMING DURING THE ATCA ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

NOVEMBER 07 - 09, 2022

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