'First to the Future' Alaska aviation director leads Alaska to foremost position in world aviation.

• Author: Morgan, Barbara
• Position: Q & A With Patrick Poe: Federal Aviation Administration - Interview

FAA'S slogan, "First to the Future," has certainly proven true with Patrick Poe's commitments to the innovative programs in Alaska. Since his appointment in 1998, Poe has joined with the Alaska aviation community in making news and making Alaska aviation history.

In a recent interview, Poe revealed some of the accomplishments in his field during his tenure.

ABM: Mr. Poe, can you tell us about some of the successful programs you have worked with since you began your position as regional administrator?

Poe: The Capstone project has been very successful as a program for Alaska that is now being implemented in other states and countries. I am proud of our Weather Camera system, an Internet-based service that allows pilots to view clear-day and real-time images of remote mountain passes and airstrips. This might very well be our most popular service and one that is well used.

ABM: Just exactly what is the Capstone project?

Poe: Capstone is a demonstration project that has proved the effectiveness of new avionics in preventing accidents by equipping aircraft used by commercial operators. Participating air carriers had Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) installed in their cockpits, which permits flight following in parts of the state not served by radar. This allows the pilot to see other similarly equipped aircraft on a small video screen that also has a moving map of the terrain and weather data. It improves pilot "situational awareness."

After implementation of the Capstone project in the Kuskokwim/ Delta area, accidents decreased by 47 percent. This was the first time government equipment was installed in private aircraft. The FAA has been working hand-in-hand with industry.

Expectations are that this program, because of its success, will go nationwide and worldwide.

ABM: Can you give us some examples of the interest you have had in the program?

Poe: Airservices Australia has adopted the core of Capstone and is using it countrywide. Last year 13 foreign delegations came to Alaska to observe Capstone operations. These included a Chinese delegation from the Civil Aviation University that intends to use some of the equipment in its pilot-training program. The Capstone staff will host delegations from both Germany and Japan.

Chief executive officers in Japan want the Capstone equipment. The FAA Alaska Region has offered to share space so they can do tests. China has placed Capstone equipment in its flight schools. The World Bank now provides loans for the use of this program and equipment.

ABM: Can you tell us about the historical background of this project?

Poe: In 1997, the FAA developed a proposal...