Air traffic controllers have been using outdated equipment for decades. Modernization plans are finally underway. The current radar system is a 1960s design which was upgraded in the 1990s.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Air traffic controllers have been using outdated equipment for decades. Some Federal Aviation Administration, (FAA) facilities are over 50 years old. The Government accountability office reported 51 of 138 air traffic control systems are unsustainable due to age and outdated functionality.
Equipment upgrades have been delayed for at least a decade. Modernization plans are finally underway. The current radar system is a 1960s design which was upgraded in the 1990s. The communication systems date back to the 1970s and 1980s. The upgrades include ERAM, Enroute Automation Modernization, cloud-based radar tracking. Datacom, digital pilot controller communications and ADS-B, Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast, which is precise GPS tracking. The anticipated completion of these updates will not likely be until 2030 with an anticipated budget of 7.2 billion dollars and growing.
In the meantime, American travelers are suffering long layovers and abrupt flight cancellations. Worse, flying has become more dangerous. While it is still touted as the safest form of transportation by the airlines, it doesn’t feel quite as safe to some of us.
On top of aging, outdated equipment, we have a big shortage of air traffic controllers. The FAA is 3500 air traffic controllers short of targeted staffing. The shortage causes flight delays and forces many controllers to work mandatory overtime and six-day weeks. The reasons behind these shortages are several. The rapid return to air travel after Covid-19. Pre-pandemic hiring freezes and layoffs. Retirement of experienced controllers. Challenges in training new controllers.
To address this the US Transportation Department is offering incentives to recruit and retain controllers. Air traffic controllers can make $140,000 to over $200,000 a year.
Another problem. Our National Weather Service is understaffed especially ahead of hurricane season starting June 1st.
Specifically, 30 out of 122 weather forecast offices lack chief meteorologists. This shortage is concerning given the increasing frequency of billion-dollar disasters- 27 occurred just last year. Officials have warned this could compromise disaster response.
The shortages are due to massive retirement numbers. At least 25% have retired from the workforce in the last five years. The starting pay is in the low forty-thousand-dollar range. The hiring process takes about 300 days and ther is a high education requirement for the job. The burnout rate is also high. The job is very stressful with long hours especially during severe weather events.
Another problem across American is our water. Many American communities have outdated water systems. These aging systems pose serious health and environmental risks especially in rural areas where populations are declining and funds are scarce.
The American Society of Civil Engineers has given the US drinking water infrastructure a grade of D minus for over a decade due to its deteriorating condition.
In the last five years America has spent around $370 billion on foreign aid. A big chunk of this went to Ukraine.
America has worked hard. We deserve to have current, up to date aviation systems, accurate up to date weather reporting and a clean drink of water. Let’s please use some of this $370 billion to fix things at home.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.
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