The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a request for information (RFI) related to “a single, state-of-the art platform for air traffic control called the Common Automation Platform (CAP).” The CAP would replace En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) and the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS), which are two systems currently used.
Per the FAA, “ERAM manages high-altitude flights at all 20 Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC), providing controllers with real-time data for safe and efficient aircraft navigation through en route airspace” and “STARS tracks and coordinates flights in Terminal Radar Approach Controls (TRACONs) facilities and air traffic control towers, and is used in sequencing, issuing conflict alerts and for weather updates for arriving and departing aircraft.”
The goal of the CAP is to unify ERAM and STARS. The FAA stated:
“The CAP would unify these platforms into a single, modern and adaptable solution for air traffic controllers. This initiative will enhance resiliency and stability in the National Airspace System (NAS), allowing controllers to organize airspace more efficiently, and addressing the growing complexity and evolving demands of the future NAS.”
The RFI indicates that the “FAA is open to new ideas, new technologies, new procurement strategies, new implementation structures, and any other considerations that will enhance the Common Automation Platform solution.”
The RFI lists a number of questions for consideration and response. Two example questions from the RFI that raise potential Intellectual Property considerations are reproduced below.
- How should the FAA approach data rights under CAP and what are the trade spaces that should be considered for the different approaches?
- Does your CAP system utilize AI or Machine Learning features? If so, how are they used and what are the realized operational benefits?
In addition to detailed technical responses to the questions listed in the RFI, the FAA is looking for “quantitative and qualitative evidence of capability, such as performance metrics, reliability statistics, and user satisfaction data.”
Additional information related to the FAA’s request for information, including the specific questions, can be found here. The FAA identifies the point of contact as David.L.Reynolds@faa.gov.
Responses to the RFI must be submitted no later than 4PM ET on December 19, 2025.
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