Today
Problems with aviation
The current aviation system is experiencing many problems.
"Hublock"
The commercial aviation hub-and-spoke system is overloaded because it relies on
a few large airports which do not have enough runways. The average flight delay is 30 minutes
and this will only get worse because air travel is projected to double or triple by
the year 2020.
Problems with current avionics
The instruments in most airplane cockpits were designed in the World War I era. These
“steam gauge” instruments have served pilots well over the years, but they have many
weaknesses. Some require a failure-prone vacuum pump. Others can fail if small vents
on the outside the aircraft clog with ice.
However, the biggest problem is the overall design. Each instrument was designed individually
to measure one aspect of aircraft performance. In order to get a complete picture of the situation
around the aircraft, a pilot must interpret all the instruments and mentally visualize what is
happening. This means the pilot has to do a lot of math in their head quickly and accurately. No
wonder there are not many pilots! Making existing instruments electronic adds another layer of
complexity, and does not solve the main problem -- lack of integration.
Problems with air traffic control
The key technologies behind air traffic control were developed in the World War II
era. Some of their weaknesses are starting to show. 
Radar can be inaccurate, which causes minimum
separation requirements between aircraft of 5 miles horizontally and 1,000 feet vertically. This becomes a problem
around busy airports. Radio is also inefficient in a crowded environment. Transmissions can be “stepped on”
or interrupted by other pilots. This has caused two fatal airline accidents. Another problem is the airspace.
It can be confusing and is becoming more segmented and complex, which makes it difficult for a pilot
to determine their exact location.
Solutions
The problems that aviation is currently experiencing will be solved tomorrow.
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