Ambitious Goal Aims for Total Overhaul of ATC Systems by End of 2028

The FAA has updated its website with a new section for their so-called FlightCommand system, a wholesale effort to upgrade air traffic control systems that will extend to every inch of the industry.

This has been a long time coming, of course. With so many near-hits in recent memory, stakeholders had to do something about our aging infrastructure. The idea of upgrading our traffic system has held plenty of appeal at pretty much all levels, but it’s a much easier thing to daydream about than actual overhaul. The system, as it stands, is pretty darn safe, despite its weaknesses. Any replacement has to improve on our current standards of safety, and that will require an exceedingly high level of competence and integration from everyone involved. 

The FAA believes it will implement a “brand-new air traffic control system by the end of 2028” via an expedited procurement process. “An innovative, first-of-its-kind contract will incentivize results and hold the Prime Integrator accountable for any missed deadlines and performance issues,” which does seem like an improvement from the usual contracting process. FlightCommand will replace core infrastructure including radar, software, hardware and telecommunications networks to manage modern travel.

The FAA broke it down into 6 “workstreams”. The Communications stream will do things like replace voice switches for improved reliability, update radios to newer, clearer systems, and replace copper wiring with fiber optics. They’ll finally make the move from old, proven tape recordings, too. The Surveillance stream will replace aged radar systems, improve surface movement safety, and refine terrestrial radar systems for safer ground handling. The Automation stream will replace the old-school paper flight strips with electronic versions in the tower, as well as replace the floppy drive systems. Facilities will update or replace things like ARTCCs or TRACONS. Alaska got its own special workstream, too, focusing on local weather and visibility systems. 

There is one catch-all stream that will work on deploying remote control towers, systems that will let controllers remotely work using a suite of cameras and sensors on the field. Better terminal training simulators will come from this workstream too. Those are much needed, at the moment, as the industry strains to onboard as many new ATC controllers as possible.

All in all, it’s an ambitious looking affair, which means that 2028 timeline is… daunting. Government work seldom moves quickly, and when it’s something as vital as aerospace safety it’s hard not to look at FlightCommand with too much expectation. It’s probably best to temper our hopes and take the improvements we can get, however long they take. 

FMI: www.faa.gov/flightcommand