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Current operations in the National Airspace System (NAS) primarily rely on voice communication designed to minimize lengthy conversations as well as simple data exchanges intended to supplement voice communication without adding additional fidelity to instructions. Advances in communication, data processing capabilities, and cultural acceptance of technology-enabled procedural changes are paving the way for implementation of Air Traffic Management (ATM) concepts based on Four-Dimensional Trajectories (4DT). Exchanging Four-Dimensional (4D) data (latitude, longitude, altitude, and time) and trajectories via an internet- based infrastructure is part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) Office’s vision for Trajectory Based Operations (TBO). In 2020, the FAA successfully completed the 4DT Live Flight Demonstration (4DT LFD) project to demonstrate how 4DT-based operations in the NAS can be implemented with current technologies and to inform future research.The FAA partnered with key industry participants to conduct two live flights in the NAS using 4DT for controller-pilot negotiations, clearances, and aircraft intent information. The 4DT LFD leveraged a connected aircraft with an Internet Protocol (IP) data link that enabled Air-to-Ground (A/G) SWIM and Demo IP-based Clearance connectivity as the aircraft traversed the NAS. The project maximized use of current infrastructure while leveraging NextGen capabilities at the FAA’s Florida NextGen Test Bed (FTB) and communication systems available from industry partners.The 4DT LFD elaborated procedures, validated existing technology, and began to socialize the feasibility of TBO in the NAS to ATM stakeholders including the FAA, airspace users, and system providers. The project focused on new data exchange mechanisms for trajectory negotiations in the NAS enroute environment, leveraging commonly used avionics equipment with emphasis on Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and Flight Management System (FMS). The project also leveraged ongoing FAA NextGen investments, such as System Wide Information Management (SWIM), Performance Based Navigation (PBN), and research into Flight and Flow – Information for a Collaborative Environment (FF-ICE). Lessons learned from the project will inform future FAA system requirements and airspace users’ development of their own procedures and technologies. These lessons will help refine global concepts, standards, recommended practices, and implementation guidance.

ICAO’s Manual on Flight and Flow – Information for a Collaborative Environment (FF-ICE) (ICAO Doc 9965), globally endorsed in 2012, was developed by the Air Traffic Management Requirements and Performance Panel (ATMRPP). The Panel is currently finalizing the necessary amendments to Provisions and Implementation Guidance for FF-ICE Release 1 (FF-ICE/R1). This first step, which focuses on the flight planning phase, with ATMRPP targeting applicability in 2025. To achieve the full FF-ICE vision, ATMRPP is now developing FF-ICE Release 2 (FF-ICE/R2), which focuses on strategic operations of the execution phase of flight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated the FF-ICE/X Project to validate the FF-ICE/R2 concept, identify potential tactical implications of FF-ICE/R2, and explore the transition from flight planning to execution.In an information / data-rich environment where the majority of airspace users (AUs) operate a network of complex, interdependent schedules (advertised timetables, crew schedules, maintenance schedules, ground handling, etc.), timely, accurate information exchange is vital to the AU’s operations success. The FF-ICE/X Project explores the effects of the maturing FF-ICE concept on these operational aspects from the perspective of the Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), AU, and other stakeholders (e.g., airport authorities, third party service providers).The investigation and analysis of potential challenges is crucial to successfully mature the concept and develop the necessary provision amendments and implementation guidance required for global, harmonized implementation of the envisioned capabilities described in FF-ICE/R2.

This paper outlines the methods used for validating the Flight & Flow Information for a Collaborative Environment (FF-ICE) Provisions and Implementation Guidance as well as the process of developing and executing tabletop activities, as conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The validation activities include both tabletop and laboratory exercises. The recommendations and observations from these activities are provided to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), whose members have the task of proposing processes to succeed the present-day operations to enable the realization of the Operational Concept. Global air traffic is increasing, and systems and processes that can manage the growth and standardize operations are required. The FAA's International Interoperability Harmonization and Validation (IIH&V) project is addressing these challenges by blending advances in airborne and ground technology, and focusing on the operational improvements that these technologies may enable. By exploring the interactions that Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and airspace users (AUs) could encounter during these future operations, the team is able to provide feedback to that can be adopted by the international aviation community. The FAA provided recommended procedure diagrams to address message submissions and expected responses, a lexicon to normalize definitions for all users, and suggested further exercises exploring airborne message exchanges. These findings will be discussed in detail within this paper. Ultimately, these exercises allow the FAA to participate in the development of a cohesive operating environment while advancing the goals of global harmonization and interoperability.