CNN reports that the FAA software is “30 years old and at least 6 years away from being updated”. “The core operating system for the database has been around since the 1990s. Regardless of the improvements made to the system in recent years, it still has the heart of an 89-year-old man,” a government source was quoted as saying.
As per the aviation body, the “personnel who failed to follow procedures” were also responsible for the computer system failure. The FAA is “stuck addressing new technology, including drones and electric helicopters, with its outdated technology”.
FAA struggled to modernise systems
As per news agency Reuters, the incident happened amid efforts to upgrade technology used to control air traffic. The FAA has reportedly struggled to modernise some parts of air traffic control.
The Transportation Department Office of Inspection General (OIG) said that “FAA has struggled to integrate key NextGen technologies and capabilities due to extended program delays that caused ripple effect delays with other programs.”
The FAA, in October, said it was working to replace decades-old practice of tracking air traffic, however, adopting the change at 49 major airports could take the authority until late 2029.
FAA investing to replace infrastructure
Reuters report also mentions that the FAA began investing $1 billion, out of a $5 billion quota assigned for infrastructure, in repairing and replacing key equipment in the air traffic control system. The upgrade work included power systems, navigation and weather equipment along with radar and surveillance systems across the country.
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