The delays in the air traffic system this week have brought the role of unseen components into stark relief. The lack of enough air traffic controllers at certain airports has had a huge impact in the overall efficiency of the air traffic system. Delays at one airport can easily cascade and multiply throughout the system. Like the aviation system as a whole, an individual aircraft has many unseen components that affect its efficiency.
I recently noticed an article from National Geographic online that described a wide array of technical innovations regarding fuel efficiency. The industry hopes these will create noticeable increases in fuel efficiency. After reading the post from National Geographic, I’ve learned that aircraft are themselves systems of inter-related components–just like the air traffic system as a whole.
Nationals Geographic Post on Aircraft Fuel Efficiency
/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2013/04/130423-reshaping-flight-for-fuel-efficiency/
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