Author – Mary Beth Lowell – Communications Manager

Air_new_zealand_2This might fall under the category of "Why haven’t they thought of this sooner?"

The FAA is testing out GPS on some planes to determine if using this system (versus ground-based radar) will help more efficiently route planes, saving airlines money on gas as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

It appears the answer is "most definitely."

On Friday, FAA officials showed off the technology at the San Francisco International Airport as they watched the arrival of a Boeing 777 plane from Airways New Zealand. According to the pilot, using the GPS tracking system saved 1,200 gallons of jet fuel, emitted 12 tons less of carbon into the air, and even brought the flight in 5 minutes ahead of schedule.

This is possible because the GPS technology allows planes to take more direct and fuel-efficient flight routes.

Apparently the new system allows pilots more freedom in determining the most efficient route to destination by climbing to high elevations more quickly and taking longer, more gradual descents to the runway.

This program is gradually being introduced across the country and should be nationwide by 2025. It will cost taxpayers though – anywhere between $16 to $22 billion according to the FAA.