Topic: Nextgen

Billionaire donor Tom Steyer's organization, NextGen America, released a Mother's Day advertisement portraying a mother warning about the "signs" of a child joining the GOP. The ad includes references to "incels" and the Charlottesville torch protests. The content is characterized as an extreme form of political bigotry and hatred toward the Republican party.

The U.S. aviation system faces significant infrastructure challenges, with major airports like JFK and Hartsfield-Jackson experiencing recent power outages and flooding. The discussion covers the "NextGen" air traffic control system, which uses satellite-based GPS (ADS-B) rather than 1950s-era radar. There is a push in Congress to privatize air traffic control and increase passenger facility charges to fund $100 billion in needed upgrades.

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao testified regarding a proposal to privatize US air traffic control into a non-profit entity. The hosts argue this is a move to bypass FAA bureaucracy and implement the "NextGen" automated system, which they fear will lead to dangerous over-reliance on algorithms and the eventual removal of human pilots.

Adam Curry deconstructs a sensationalized CNN report regarding a GAO document on aviation cybersecurity. He clarifies that while the report mentions "Internet Protocol" (IP) for the FAA's NextGen system, it does not mean airplanes are directly connected to the public internet for flight controls. He criticizes correspondent Renee Marsh for suggesting that a passenger with a laptop and a USB plug could crash a plane, calling the coverage "propaganda."

The hosts examine the transition to the NextGen air traffic control system, which relies on ADS-B transponders and increased computerization. Curry argues that removing human decision-making from the cockpit in favor of automated systems is a dangerous mistake. He predicts that software glitches and the unintended consequences of technology will eventually lead to fatal aviation accidents as computers take over separation and navigation tasks.

Billionaire hedge fund manager Tom Steyer and his NextGen Climate organization are spending heavily to make climate change a central issue in the 2014 midterm elections. Steyer's campaign targets seven key states, framing the issue as a choice between science and denial. The hosts compare Steyer's political spending to that of the Koch brothers.

Billionaire investor Tom Steyer announces the creation of a $100 million Super PAC, NextGen Climate Action, to fund advertising related to global warming. The hosts view this as a Democratic counterweight to the Koch brothers' influence. They discuss the potential for profit in the "climate industry" and joke about changing their own stance on the issue to tap into the funding.

An anonymous donor working at a government agency near Moffett Field (likely NASA) discusses their work on the "NextGen" project and expertise in swarm robotics. The donor, a PhD candidate in applied math and statistics, warns of the potential for drone swarms. The hosts grant "Hey Citizen" karma for the donor's upcoming qualifying exams.

The passage of an FAA bill regarding domestic drone use is analyzed, with the hosts arguing it is primarily a funding vehicle for the $11 billion "NextGen" air traffic control system. Former CIA Director Michael Hayden's criticism of the Obama administration's drone assassination program is highlighted. The discussion distinguishes between "pilotless" (remotely piloted) and "autonomous" drones, warning of the dangers of AI-driven lethal force.

A collision between a 12-foot drone and an Air Force cargo plane in Afghanistan has accelerated the debate over integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into American airspace. The FAA is working on a "NextGen" air traffic network to be implemented by 2025 to manage the influx of military and commercial drones. Proponents suggest drones will assist firefighters and search-and-rescue teams, while skeptics fear domestic surveillance and safety risks to commercial aviation.

The FAA funding dispute involves $163 million earmarked for rural airports, including a controversial facility in Elko, Nevada. Meanwhile, major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and ITT hold billions in contracts for "NextGen" air traffic control systems and 3D displays, highlighting the massive scale of aviation infrastructure spending.

A series of reports regarding air traffic controllers sleeping on the job is framed as a potential "pylon" to justify the transition to a fully automated "NextGen" system. The hosts argue that the current workforce is overworked due to short breaks between shifts and strict rules against sleeping in their cars. Companies like Raytheon are mentioned as potential beneficiaries of a shift toward computer-controlled air traffic management.

The FAA faces significant setbacks with its modernization efforts, including the loss of control over an IntelSat satellite critical to the WAAS landing system. Additionally, the multi-billion dollar "NextGen" air traffic control computer system is reportedly behind schedule. The hosts suggest these failures, combined with heavy investment in high-speed rail by the Obama administration, are intended to make commercial aviation less attractive to the public.