“The whole idea is to replace the system. No more floppy disks or paper strips,” acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau told the House Appropriations Committee earlier this week, outlining a plan to update the nation’s Air Traffic Control system. As reported by Tom’s Hardware, the FAA’s appeal to the House Appropriations Committee reflects the desire to replace infrastructure that is not only outdated, but unsustainable.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also commented,”This is the most important infrastructure project that we’ve had in this country for decades. Everyone agrees — this is non-partisan. Everyone knows we have to do it.” Duffy claims that the Transportation Department’s goal is to have this overhaul finished within four years, while industry experts doubt this timeline is possible. Part of the the project’s complexity is the 24/7, critical nature of the Air Traffic Control system, making it impossible to shut the whole system down at once to replace. Still, the FAA put the call out to companies who say they are up for the monumental task, including announcing several ‘Industry Days’ that would allow companies to showcase their technologies to the Transportation Department.
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