FAA chief grilled by lawmakers over computer outage, aviation safety
     The head of the Federal Aviation Administration told congressional lawmakers Wednesday the agency has taken steps to avoid a repeat of the technology failure last month that briefly halted all flights nationwide, but he said he couldn't promise there won't be another breakdown, reports. Continue reading original article.The meeting was a result of the Federal Aviation Administration's notice to air mission (NOTAMs) alert distribution technology as contractors accidentally deleted files, which corrupted the database and its backup, which delayed planes from taking off for approximately two ours on 10 January.The FAA chief said that there is a delay in syncing the main NOTAM database to the backup, so while it is less likely the whole system will go offline. A portion of the technology that comprises the NOTAM system is 30 years old."Could I sit here today and tell you there will never be another issue on the NOTAM system? No, sir, I cannot," Nolen said under questioning.Related: Airlines promise they’re investing in technologyRelated: Experts warned Southwest Airlines, FAA about outdated software for yearsRelated: House passes bill to improve FAA system that grounded flightsJamie Whitney

Feb 24th, 2023

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