Modernization

Nearly 40% of FAA air traffic control systems need urgent updates, GAO reports

Several systems, some which aid in navigation and communications, did not have modernization efforts in place, the GAO said.

Cybersecurity

GAO to unveil findings on outdated FAA tech systems

The congressional watchdog's forthcoming report will examine legacy air traffic control systems and the agency’s modernization efforts.

Cybersecurity

FAA proposes new cyber rules for airplanes and aviation equipment

The rules are designed to combat cybersecurity threats targeting aircraft, engines and networks aviation systems.

Emerging Tech

Bipartisan House bill seeks to reauthorize federal counter-drone authority

A proposal to extend the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice’s authority to mitigate threats from unmanned aircraft systems would also grant new counter-drone abilities to the FAA.

Emerging Tech

Senate passes FAA reauthorization without TSA biometrics amendment

A group of bipartisan senators hoped to use the must-pass measure to pause rollouts of the Transportation Security Administration’s facial recognition technology at new airports.

Emerging Tech

Lawmakers seek pause on TSA’s use of facial biometrics in FAA bill

A Senate amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill would pause additional rollout of the TSA’s facial recognition technology until Congress has reviewed the agency’s program.

Emerging Tech

Bipartisan bill seeks to grow NASA program using drones to fight wildfires

New legislation attempts to improve NASA’s Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response to Operations program so firefighters can more effectively use drones.

Emerging Tech

As drone popularity grows, government considers how to safeguard the skies

While the vast majority of drone operators pilot their devices safely, there have been incidents where drones stray into dangerous places.

Modernization

House panel presses FAA to speed up modernization

Members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure pressed an FAA official on what it would take for the agency to modernize faster, including its plans to update a system that caused a nationwide ground stop last month.

Modernization

Aviation industry warned FAA system is 'a disorganized catch-all' years ahead of failure

A trade group has been urging for better backups to the system whose failure earlier this week led to a brief air traffic outage.

Modernization

FAA system outage grounds all U.S. flights overnight

An outage to a system providing real-time flight hazard information led to a nationwide ground stop of U.S. air travel Wednesday morning.

Emerging Tech

Airlines Ask For ‘Immediate Intervention’ in 5G Deployment, Citing Safety Issues

An airlines advocacy group asked the Biden administration to implement more protection around select airport towers in a continuation of the 5G rollout debate.

Emerging Tech

Telecoms Agree To Delay 5G Rollout Amid Government Safety Concerns

Following the saga between telecommunications giants and multiple government agencies, the Transportation Department secured a brief delay of the nationwide 5G rollout.

Emerging Tech

Verizon, AT&T Reject Government Request for 5G Delay

Leaders at Transportation and the FAA raised concerns about 5G C-band’s interference with air travel safety, which private sector CEOs dismiss.

Digital Government

FAA presses on anti-UAS testing

The Federal Aviation Administration is advancing testing of anti-drone technology at airports, as federal authorities say rogue unmanned aircraft remain a problem even in the pandemic.

Cybersecurity

Watchdog: FAA needs to do more to address aircraft cybersecurity

The Federal Aviation Administration has work to do to reinforce cybersecurity for increasingly networked commercial aircraft avionics systems, according to an oversight report.

Cybersecurity

FAA to test anti-drone technologies

The Federal Aviation Administration will test commercial drone detection and mitigation systems in real-world civilian airport settings.

Cybersecurity

Agencies warn on drone detection systems

State, local and private sector could run afoul of federal laws if they deploy drone detection and mitigation systems without careful thought, federal agencies say.

Acquisition

FAA asks employees to round up N95 masks, other PPE

The Federal Aviation Administration put out an email blast to employees at field offices and airport facilities on April 8 looking for medical supplies to share out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Digital Government

FAA looks to the private sector for drone user testing platform

The Federal Aviation Administration is turning to unmanned aircraft manufacturers, retailers and others in the commercial supply chain to help it develop an electronic platform to support a drone owner safety testing capability.