FAA Plans Major Air Traffic Control Overhaul Ending Floppy Disk, Windows 95 Use

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has revealed plans to upgrade the United States' air traffic control (ATC) systems that currently rely on outdated technology, including floppy disks, paper strips, and Windows 95 computers. Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau emphasized that the goal is to replace these archaic systems, eliminating floppy disks and paper strips, while ensuring a smooth transition without interrupting ongoing air traffic operations. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the modernization effort the most important infrastructure project in decades, highlighting its bipartisan support and critical need due to the unsustainability and vulnerability of the current hardware. The aviation industry coalition Modern Skies has actively advocated for this update, underscoring the risks of maintaining decades-old technology. The project is complex, as many systems cannot be shut down simultaneously for upgrades, and the new infrastructure must maintain stringent safety and cybersecurity standards. The FAA has issued a Request for Information to solicit proposals from companies to assist in this multi-year, multi-billion-dollar overhaul aimed at bringing the nation's air traffic control infrastructure into the 21st century.