Some air traffic displays malfunction, says US Transport Department

Airline Industry Information, April 18, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Ageing computer displays used by some air traffic controllers are frequently malfunctioning, the Transportation Department inspector general said on Thursday (14 April).

A review of Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) operations found problems with displays in Chicago, Denver and other sites. In Denver, older controller displays are reportedly locking up randomly and the problem is now occurring a little over once a week.

The old displays are slowly being replaced by new colour screens but the systems in Denver and Chicago are not due for replacement until 2007, said the inspector general. The new equipment is part of a modernization initiative - Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS).

The STARS system, developed by Raytheon Co, has struggled to meet expectations and the FAA's air traffic organization, created in 2004 to prioritize modernization programmes, is considering alternatives, reported Reuters.

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