F.A.A. Plans to Ditch Floppy Disks in Air Traffic Control Towers by 2028

The Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) has announced plans to phase out the use of floppy disks in air traffic control towers, marking a significant step towards modernizing the nation’s aviation infrastructure. This move comes as part of a broader initiative to update critical operations with the New Enterprise Information Display System (E-IDS), which is set to be installed in 435 facilities across the country. The F.A.A. reports that five sites, including control hubs in Atlantic City, Nashville, Rochester, Atlanta, and Salt Lake City, have already begun their upgrades, signaling the start of a nationwide transition.

According to several outlets, the F.A.A. currently relies on 3.5-inch magnetic floppy disks for some of its most crucial operations. This reliance on such outdated technology highlights the pressing need for modernization within the agency. In August 2020, the F.A.A. awarded the initial contract for E-IDS to Leidos, a prominent defense contractor, setting the stage for a comprehensive overhaul of air traffic control systems.

The significance of this technological shift cannot be understated, especially given that nearly 90 percent of the nation's critical air traffic control infrastructure was deemed due or past due for a 'technology refresh' according to a 2024 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report. This indicates that the F.A.A.'s decision to replace floppy disks is part of a larger effort to enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability in the air traffic control network.

The F.A.A. has outlined a timeline for completion of the upgrade at all 435 sites by the end of 2028, ensuring that the transition to more modern technology will be completed within the next few years. This ambitious goal reflects the agency's commitment to keeping pace with technological advancements and maintaining the United States' position as a leader in aviation innovation.

What we know

• The F.A.A. plans to phase out floppy disks from air traffic control towers. ¹²³
• The F.A.A. will install the New Enterprise Information Display System (E-IDS) in 435 facilities. ²³
• Five sites, including control hubs in Atlantic City, Nashville, Rochester, Atlanta, and Salt Lake City, have already started upgrades. ²³
• The F.A.A. plans to complete the upgrade at 435 sites by the end of 2028. ²³
• The F.A.A. reportedly uses 3.5-inch magnetic floppy disks for critical operations. ³
• The initial contract for E-IDS was awarded to Leidos in August 2020. ³
• Nearly 90 percent of the nation's critical air traffic control infrastructure was due or past due for a 'technology refresh'. ³