Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Air traffic controllers are increasingly concerned about frequent outages in the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) aging systems, which they say have become "everybody's worst nightmare." On April 28, a radar and communication failure at Newark Liberty International Airport left planes flying blind for 90 seconds. Controllers and pilots are urging the FAA to address these issues.
Michael Donahue, a retired controller, noted that such failures occur regularly, with controllers often losing radio contact with pilots. The FAA moved controllers from a Long Island facility to Philadelphia last year, but problems have persisted. The FAA plans to replace outdated copper wiring with fiberoptic technology and increase staffing, according to a CNN report.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced plans for a system overhaul, including new telecommunications connections and a temporary backup system. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed optimism about these changes, saying they could modernize air traffic control faster than expected.
Despite the risks, pilots are trained to handle communication failures. Former National Transportation Safety Board investigator Benjie Coleman stated that while not ideal, such situations are not lethal. However, The New York Post reported that the FAA experiences about 1,000 equipment failures weekly, highlighting the urgency for updates.
The FAA is working to ensure more reliable operations at Newark by upgrading systems and increasing training for controllers. The agency plans to hire more controllers and replace outdated technology, aiming to improve safety and efficiency in the national airspace.