Experts urge modernization of FAA technology following recent fatal airplane crashes
In the wake of several fatal airplane crashes, aviation experts testified before the House Transportation Committee on the need for modernizing the Federal Aviation Administration’s decades-old technology to effectively manage air traffic. Issues discussed included ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to cut the federal workforce, mandatory retirement requirements, hiring challenges, and proposals to privatize aspects of air traffic control.
Former air traffic controller turned president of a consulting firm, Paul Rinaldi, highlighted the United States Airspace System’s decline by 2025 due to aging infrastructure, outdated technology, and staffing shortages. The Government Accountability Office pointed out that the majority of platforms used to manage air traffic were unsustainable or potentially unsustainable, with nine open recommendations to improve the FAA’s approach.
FAA systems are hindered by outdated data platforms and delays in procuring and updating technology, including concerns about the Notice to Airmen system and a flight traffic system from the 1990s. Issues with the bidding process for telecommunications work and the development of the Space Data Integrator were also raised, along with ongoing problems with the Global Positioning System.
Experts stressed the importance of resiliency in maintaining a resilient air traffic management system, particularly in light of challenges with GPS navigation and other issues impacting flight safety. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for the FAA to prioritize modernization efforts to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel in the United States.
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