Outdated Air Traffic Control System to Get $Billions in Upgrades After Fatal Helicopter Crash
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a sweeping modernization plan for the nation’s air traffic control systems following the fatal January 29 collision between a US Army helicopter and an American Airlines plane near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Fox News reports.
The crash, which claimed 67 lives, prompted an investigation revealing a startling number of near misses at the airport.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary findings showed 85 near-miss incidents at Reagan National in the past two and a half years, defined as aircraft coming within 200 feet vertically and 1,500 feet laterally of each other. Secretary Duffy expressed shock that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was unaware of this “hot spot” of frequent near misses.
This revelation spurred Duffy to launch a nationwide initiative using artificial intelligence to identify similar high-risk areas in US airspace. Once these “hot spots” are pinpointed, targeted improvements will be implemented to mitigate the risk of collisions.
Duffy highlighted the urgent need for modernization, revealing that the current air traffic control system is 25 to 30 years old, with some components still relying on antiquated floppy disk technology. While emphasizing the system’s current safety, he stressed the critical need for upgrades.
The four-year modernization plan will involve a complete overhaul of the air traffic control system, replacing outdated copper wiring with a state-of-the-art network utilizing fiber optics, wireless, and satellite technology. The plan also includes the replacement of aging radar systems and terminal equipment with cutting-edge technology.
Despite the significant cost, Duffy argued that the investment in safety is paramount. He plans to present the comprehensive proposal to Congress in the coming weeks, seeking upfront funding to accelerate the crucial upgrades.
