FAA in the Clouds Over GAO Report

The Federal Aviation Administration [1] (FAA) has reason to worry. Not only is it waiting for an independent panel's report over complications related to its satellite-based navigation system, but now the General Accounting Office is involved through a direct order from Congress.

The request was made by Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), who serves as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee’s Transportation Subcommittee.

Although the GEO isn't concentrating solely on financial matters, their report will examine the costs and benefits of the Wide Area Augmentation System with regard to whether the FAA underestimated the system's cost. The GAO Also will examine a more general topic of cost-saving measures designed to meet navigation needs.