Archive for month: October, 2020

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact-Record of Decision for the South-Central Florida Metroplex, which is the agencys plan to modernize air traffic procedures for 21 airports in the southern half of the state. The agency posted the document and the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) on the Florida Metroplex Environmental website.

The decision enables the FAA to move forward with new satellite-based procedures that will enhance safety and efficiency. The FAA plans to implement the new procedures in mid-2021.

The project includes new arrival and departure procedures for Miami, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa and St. Pete/Clearwater international airports and 15 smaller airports.

The FAA conducted extensive outreach to the public before issuing its final decision on the project. The agency held 29 public workshops and 2 public comment periods totaling 120 days in 2019 and 2020. The agency also evaluated and responded to 3,239 comments in the Final EA.

The agency conducted the EA in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), which requires the FAA to identify and publicly disclose the potential environmental impacts of the proposed procedures.

The environmental documents areavailable at 117 public libraries in the study area. Residents who are not online may contact their local libraries to access the document.

Calling all K-12 students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM): The 2020 Federal Aviation Administration STEM Aviation and Space Education Airport Design Challenge is now open for enrollment through Oct. 25, 2020.

Participating students are provided with opportunities to meet aviation professionals and learn about the aerospace industry. For middle- and high-school students, this is a chance to get first-hand experience in an aviation-related application of STEM concepts and careers.

The Airport Design Challenge involves students using Microsoft Minecraft to design virtual airports based on guidance from FAA aerospace and engineering experts.

Students will collaborate in small teams to learn about their local airports and to complete developmental tasks in Minecraft. During the five weeks of organized lesson plans, participants will cover topics ranging from airport layout, pavement and lighting to structures and innovative growth. Program facilitators will use weekly knowledge-check quizzes and screen shots of students designs to assess progress and provide feedback.

Collaborative work between students, parents and facilitators will focus on applying STEM-based knowledge in math, engineering and career development. While participants are encouraged to form teams of up to five members, they may also participate individually.

The virtual event is open to students in the U.S. and internationally. Last year, approximately 800 students participated and many more are expected this year.

The FAA Airport Design Challenge website has more information about the competition and how to register.