FAA to replace floppy disks at air traffic control facilities by 2028

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will replace floppy disks used for weather and other critical information at more than 400 air traffic control facilities across the country by the end of 2028.

The new system

The Enterprise Information Display System will replace four systems dating back to the 1980s. The system will put important operational information in one place so controllers can quickly see air traffic updates.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in a statement: "We’re moving away from outdated, manual processes and replacing technology that once relied on floppy disks with a modern system that allows controllers to instantly share critical flight alerts, restricted airspace schedules and pilot reports."

Broader modernization efforts

Congress last year approved $12.5 billion to fix the aging U.S. air traffic control system, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wants another $30 billion for additional upgrades as the FAA deals with numerous technology issues.

The FAA relies on telecom systems it is racing to replace as well as decades-old Compaq computers and replacement parts bought on eBay. The country’s air traffic facilities cannot talk to one another and operate on individual analog computers. Bedford told Reuters in a recent interview: "Every facility is a silo."

The FAA is also phasing out paper flight strips that air traffic controllers use to keep track of aircraft. The change, which started in 2022 at 49 major airports, will take until at least 2028. A total of 27 major airports have already done away with the paper strips.

Why it matters

• The FAA is replacing floppy disks at more than 400 air traffic control facilities by the end of 2028.
• The Enterprise Information Display System will replace four systems from the 1980s.
• Congress approved $12.5 billion last year for air traffic control system upgrades.
• The FAA is also replacing paper flight strips at 49 major airports, with 27 already completed.

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Sources

• engadget.com: The FAA Is Finally Phasing Out Floppy Disks From Air Traffic Control
• qconline.com: FAA says it will phase out floppy disks from air traffic control by 2028
• ua.news: FAA to replace floppy disks at US air traffic facilities by 2028 | UA.NEWS
• pressofatlanticcity.com: FAA says it will phase out floppy disks from air traffic control by 2028

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.