TagATC(25)
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2024-09-01GAO 24-107001: FAA Actions Are Urgently Needed to Modernize Aging Systems
★A September 2024 U.S. Government Accountability Office report found that the FAA's air traffic control systems are critically outdated, with 37% rated unsustainable and 39% potentially unsustainable out of 138 total systems reviewed. The agency has been slow to modernize the most at-risk systems, with some upgrades not planned for completion until 2030–2035, and four critical systems lacking any modernization plans at all. The GAO made seven recommendations to improve FAA oversight and accelerate upgrades to protect the safety and efficiency of the national airspace. -
TRACON S46
A secured facility entrance with chain-link fencing topped with razor wire, yellow vehicle barriers, and a 'Notice of Inspection' sign visible on the right fence post. The main building in the background has a multi-story institutional design consistent with a jail, prison, or detention center, surrounded by trees in a Pacific Northwest setting. -
2026-04-13It’s not a Game. It’s a Career.
Level Up: April 17th Historically, the FAA’s approach to recruiting and retaining Air Traffic Controllers has been to say the least, a slightly schizophrenic. On the one hand, the physical and mental requirements are more challenging than most government or military positions. By government standards, the compensation, and particularly the retirement benefits are very good. -
2026-04-11
To Fill Air Traffic Controller Shortage, F.A.A. Turns to Gamers
The air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan National Airport.Credit…Kent Nishimura for The New York Times. Avid players of video games have emerged as a target demographic for recruiters at a range of federal agencies, including the military and the Department of Homeland Security. By Karoun Demirjian Reporting from Washington April 10, 2026 See more of -
2025-12-15Brand New Air Traffic Control System Fact Sheet
The FAA is replacing the entire U.S. air traffic control system by the end of 2028, upgrading outdated radar, software, hardware, and telecommunications networks to improve safety and reduce flight delays. The project, known as BNATCS, is funded by a $12.5 billion congressional investment with an additional $20 billion still needed, and is being managed by a single prime integrator, Peraton, under a performance-based contract. Key upgrades include thousands of new radios, hundreds of new radars, and expanded weather monitoring infrastructure, with telecommunications identified as the top priority. -
2025-11-06Air Traffic Control Tower
The air traffic control tower at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), photographed by Anthony Bolante for the Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ). The tower's distinctive modernist architecture is visible, along with an American flag and what appears to be a Washington State flag on the structure. -
2025-11-06
FAA to cut flights at Sea-Tac Airport as government shutdown drags on
Sea-Tac Airport’s air traffic control tower, pictured in 2021. Air traffic controllers have gone weeks without pay amid the government shutdown. Anthony Bolante | PSBJ By Nick Pasion and Lauren Ohnesorge – Puget Sound Business Journal Story Highlights FAA begins cutting flights at 40 airports amid government shutdown. Seattle-Tacoma Airport faces 10% reduction affecting 267 -
2025-11-05FAA will reduce air traffic by 10% at many airports to maintain safety
Joel Rose U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy (left) and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced Wednesday that the FAA will reduce air traffic at many busy airports to maintain safety during the government shutdown, which has led to staffing shortages of air traffic controllers. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration will reduce -
2025-10-02Two Planes Collide on LaGuardia Airport Taxiway
A plane that was preparing to take off struck a plane that had landed, the authorities said. One flight attendant was injured, and the F.A.A. was investigating. By Francesca Regalado and Mark Walker Oct. 2, 2025 Two regional flights operated by a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines collided on a LaGuardia Airport taxiway on Wednesday evening, injuring one -
2025-09-29Why Is Your Flight Always Delayed? Blame Government Shutdowns.
By Binyamin Appelbaum Opinion Writer Sept. 29, 2025 The Federal Aviation Administration doesn’t have enough air traffic controllers to control the nation’s air traffic. It’s a big problem. Airlines have been forced to delay, reschedule or cancel thousands of flights, especially at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. If you’ve flown recently, perhaps you’ve