FAA to eliminate floppy disks, outdated tech in air traffic control system
Share this @internewscast.com


() Federal aviation officials last week unveiled an ambitious, three-year plan aimed at modernizing the U.S.’s air traffic control system.

The plan calls for a new, state-of-the-art system to replace the outdated technology currently in use, which includes floppy disks and computers running the Windows 95 operating system. According to NPR, air traffic controllers also still use slips of paper containing flight numbers to help track the approximately 45,000 flights that the Federal Aviation Administration handles on a daily basis.

“The whole idea is to replace the system,” acting FAA administrator Chris Rocheleau said. “No more floppy disks or paper strips.”

A 2023 FAA assessment determined that more than a third of the country’s air traffic control systems were unsustainable. Some had already begun to fail.

System failures most recently hit Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, where staffing shortages and equipment issues have caused mass delays over the past few months. The delays forced FAA officials to curtail the number of flights in and out of the airport.

Airline officials pointed to those system failures in a recent open letter to Congress urging legislators to provide adequate funding to overhaul the “wildly outdated” system.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy last week described the proposed plan as the “most important infrastructure project” the U.S. has seen in decades.

“Everyone agrees, this is non-partisan,” Duffy said at a news conference. “Everyone knows we have to do it.”

It was unclear how much the authorities believe the project will cost, though Duffy has estimated the price tag at somewhere in the tens of billions of dollars, NPR reported.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

20% of new car buyers are opting for $1,000 monthly payments

(NewsNation) — Once considered rare, $1,000 car payments are fast becoming the…

Tropical Storm Chantal Gains Strength Approaching South Carolina Landfall

MIAMI – Tropical Storm Chantal intensified as it neared the southeastern coast…

Preparing Your Pets for Heavy Rain and Stormy Weather

HOUSTON – Getting ready for a hurricane’s landfall means making sure everyone…

Six Fire Departments from Logan County Respond to Lincoln House and Garage Fire

LINCOLN, Ill. (WCIA) — Late Friday night, six fire agencies from Logan…

Living History Park Reopens as Part of North Augusta’s July 4th Celebration

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. ()- Of all the July 4th celebrations Friday, North…

Storm Team 3: Monitoring Chantal & Local Effects Expected

Passing showers will continue tonight into Sunday. Winds will remain breezy, but…

dispute Over Jimmy Buffett’s Estate Highlights Widow’s Inheritance as a Warning Tale

(The Conversation) – Lawyers frequently advise clients that it is crucial for…

Uncertain Future for Trans Athletes as Penn Reaches Agreement with Trump Administration

The University of Pennsylvania’s decision this week to sign an agreement with the…

Tragic Fireworks Accident Claims Life of 8-Year-Old Girl in California

(KTLA) – Police confirmed Saturday that an 8-year-old girl died after she…

Tragic Downtown Indianapolis Shooting Leaves 2 Dead, 5 Injured

INDIANAPOLIS – Residents are seeking answers following a downtown mass shooting early…

“Texas Legislators Express Heartache Over Fatal Flooding”

Texas lawmakers on both sides of the aisle took a break from…

“DA Cook Jones Criticizes Leaders’ Statements as ‘Premature and Problematic'”

SAVANNAH, Ga. — After the incident at Oglethorpe Mall, Chatham County District…