Air traffic control systems will be changing in the United States over the next several years as part of a program called the Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen.

To get a sense of what the program is, and what it’ll mean for airports and air travelers — especially at smaller facilities — we turn to Brent Bowen, dean of the College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott.

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Falcon Field in Mesa are among the Valley airports included in NextGen’s Metroplex Project.

Sarah Ferrara, Aviation Planning and Outreach Coordinator for the Scottsdale Airport, said Scottsdale will also be affected.