Supporting the Maintenance and Improvement of National Air Space Safety

Mission Need

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Aviation Safety (AVS) organization establishes, oversees and enforces some of the most vital responsibilities in government: protecting the millions of passengers and crews who depend on the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS) every day. The NAS is the largest and most complex aviation system in the world, and maintaining its safety requires constant vigilance, rapid adaptation and global leadership.

From reducing risks on crowded runways to preparing for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations and next-generation aircraft, AVS is focused on proactive accident prevention and ensuring the United States continues to set the standard for aviation safety worldwide. This mission demands not only oversight and regulation, but also innovation, integration of new technologies and the ability to respond to quickly evolving emerging challenges.

To uphold this trust and lead aviation into the future, AVS relies on partners with years of experience, expertise and cutting-edge tools to help solve the most complex challenges in aviation safety.

Solution

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To carry out this critical mission, the FAA turned to SAIC through the Safety, Analytical and Technical Support Services performance contract. With over 20 years of experience supporting the FAA Safety mission, our role is to provide specialized aviation technical and program management expertise and advanced tools that help the FAA translate its vision for safety into action.

Together, we are:

• Accelerating safe integration of drones and emerging aircraft by providing technical and regulatory research and analysis that enable the FAA to set clear, trusted standards.
• Transforming safety data into actionable insight by supporting the conversion of complex information into usable formats that allow regulators and inspectors to identify risks quickly.
• Strengthening aviation safety programs with new oversight tools that ensure compliance and keep fatigue management practices on track across the industry.
• Preparing for next-generation flight through research and documentation that support FAA’s development of guidance for air taxis, vertical lift and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
• Supporting collaboration and efficiency by building platforms that help FAA staff and the broader aviation community share information, coordinate decisions and act with confidence.

As a trusted partner, SAIC is helping the FAA strengthen the safety net that millions of travelers depend on every day while preparing for the rapid changes reshaping aviation.

Mission Impact

Through its leadership and commitment to safety, the FAA continues to set the global standard for aviation safety while preparing for the future of flight. With SAIC’s support, the agency has reduced risks in the complex airspace, strengthened oversight programs across airlines, accelerated the safe integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and emerging technologies and improved access to critical safety data. By streamlining processes and collaboration, the FAA is protecting passengers and crews today while ensuring the NAS remains safe, efficient and ready for the future of aviation.

Examples of SAIC support to significant FAA accomplishments include:

• Supported the successful publication of the Global Navigation Satellite System Interference Resource Guide, improving mitigation of navigation disruptions.
• Provided technical support to FAA guidance for powered-lift aircraft, including electric vertical takeoff and landing and AAM/Urban Air Mobility operations, enabling safe adoption across sectors such as air ambulance and offshore energy.
• Strengthened global aviation safety by supporting the FAA’s role in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program, including development of tools to improve audit efficiency and accountability.
• Supported AAM safety by recommending “micro-weather” systems for low-altitude UAS operations.
• Improved communication, coordination and visibility through the development of a centralized Microsoft Teams International Focal Site for AFS-400 international responsibilities.
• Enhanced safety and efficiency at San Francisco International Airport by refining procedures to reduce Traffic Collision Avoidance System Resolution Advisories during simultaneous approaches.
• Provided subject matter expertise for cross-agency UAS Test Site collaboration, contributing to the issuance of blanket Certificates of Authorization for aircraft operations up to 1,320 pounds.

"The Office of Aviation Safety is reducing risks in crowded airspace, integrating emerging technologies and improving access to safety data. With support from SAIC, we are ensuring the National Airspace System continues to set the global standard for aviation safety."

— FAA Office of Aviation Safety

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