FAA Begins Retiring Decades-Old Floppy Disks From Air Traffic Control, Full Switch by End of 2028
A digital information display system will replace four 1980s-era systems, with rollout planned for 435 sites by the end of 2028.
The Federal Aviation Administration is beginning to retire decades-old floppy disks used to carry weather and other operational information in air traffic control, with a replacement system planned for 435 sites by the end of 2028.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the rollout Thursday. The Enterprise-Information Display System, known as E-IDS, will replace four systems dating to the 1980s that are used in more than 400 FAA facilities.
The first five locations include Atlantic City International Airport in New Jersey, Nashville International Airport, Greater Rochester International Airport, and data-processing hubs in Atlanta and Salt Lake City.
E-IDS puts operational information on a single digital display, giving controllers access to equipment notices, weather impacts, air traffic conditions and other advisories. The FAA says it will also help controllers share critical flight alerts, restricted-airspace schedules and pilot reports.
The agency says the system will improve how Pilot Reports and Notices to Airmen are collected and distributed, while reducing repairs and manual workarounds associated with older equipment.