The FAA administrator, Chris Rocheleau, informed The White House recently. He plans to replace the federal Aviation system. This system still runs on Windows 95 and floppy disks. He represented the agency and requested any willing company. The company should try their luck on the massive overhaul work. But this raised a special question:
Why still in the 90s?
Most air traffic control towers and facilities across the US operate with outdated technology. It seems frozen in the 20th century. However, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing—when it works. Some controllers currently use paper strips to track aircraft movements. They transfer data between systems using floppy disks. Their computers run Microsoft’s Windows 95 operating system, which launched in 1995. Well, if it ain’t broke, why fix it? The system that was introduced 30 years ago is still kept due to the critical reason of software security. The windows 1995 gets no more upgrades, a bonus of this fact is that hackers can’t easily access it. Same goes with paper strips. If something is not in the radar, how can it be hacked?
Why fix it?
Sheldon Jacobson is a professor from the University of Illinois who researches aviation risks. He also emphasized the main reason for such ideas is modernization. The system works remarkably well, but doesn’t meet the capabilities that can be fully accessed.
The FAA isn’t alone in clinging to floppy disk technology. San Francisco’s train control system still runs on DOS loaded from 5.25-inch floppy disks, with upgrades not expected until 2030 due to budget constraints. Japan has also struggled in recent years to modernize government record systems that use floppy disks..
Easy Peezy (Not Really)
Such a massive overhaul can only be done continuously. As one system is removed, the other is replaced in quick transition. Since the system works 24/7, it never shuts down
So precautions have to of the most minute attention. There are risks in cybersecurity. Vulnerabilities will definitely occur and will need to be covered up quickly. After all, the FAA can’t wish to repeat the incident that happened in 2023. During that incident, all the planes were grounded for two hours as the system had shut down. The blame was given to the very ‘outdated’ systems.
The US Transportation Department has set a four-year timeline for completing the modernization project. However, industry experts question whether this schedule is realistic. They have concerns given the scope and complexity involved. According to the NPR report, Jacobson thinks the administration’s announced timeline is “wildly optimistic.” There is no price tag for the sweeping plan.
What do the people think?
Remarks are mixed. Some praise the effort in doing something of such magnitude. Others are worried, calling the action redundant and unnecessary. Some even say the Windows 95 system serves itself well.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a new, world-class air traffic system,” said FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau. “We need world-class innovators to step up and tell us the best way to build it.”
The FAA will replace core infrastructure including radar, software, hardware and telecommunications networks to manage modern travel. The agency will equip facilities with better technology to reduce outages, improve efficiency, and reinforce safety.
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