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US FAA says it will phase out floppy disks from air traffic control by 2028

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In short

The Enterprise Information Display System will streamline critical flight and weather updates into a centralized interface for air traffic controllers. This modernization push targets an agency infrastructure that still relies on decades-old Compaq computers, analog hardware, and replacement parts bought off eBay. Congress provided $12.5 billion for these upgrades last year, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is requesting an extra $30 billion to accelerate improvements. The agency is simultaneously working to eliminate physical paper flight strips at 49 major airports by 2028.

Key points

  • The agency is consolidating four separate 1980s computer networks into a single operation…: The agency is consolidating four separate 1980s computer networks into a single operational interface across 400 facilities.
  • Modernization efforts must address physical vulnerabilities like frequent fiber optic cab…: Modernization efforts must address physical vulnerabilities like frequent fiber optic cable cuts that disrupt flights nationwide.
  • Federal aviation authorities are managing extensive hardware overhauls while facing a wor…: Federal aviation authorities are managing extensive hardware overhauls while facing a workforce shortage of several thousand controllers.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

WASHINGTON, Nov 5 : The US Federal Aviation Administration said on Thursday it will replace by the end of 2028 the outdated floppy disks used for weather and other critical information at more than 400 air traffic control facilities across the country.

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

Floppy disks largely stopped being used more than 25 years ago and have not been produced in large numbers since 2011. Congress last year approved $12.5 billion to fix the aging US air traffic control system and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wants another $30 billion for additional upgrades as the FAA deals with numerous technology issues.

“We’re moving away from outdated, manual processes and replacing technology that once relied on floppy disks with a modern system that allows controllers to instantly share critical flight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

In a previously unreported October 23 FAA memo…

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