Gov’t watchdog: Computers key to modernizing US air traffic system plagued by problems

Problems plague new air traffic control computers

WASHINGTON — A government watchdog says new computers crucial to modernizing the U.S. air traffic control system have run into serious problems and may not be fully operational before the current computers are supposed to be replaced.

Transportation Department Inspector General Calvin Scovel told a House committee on Wednesday that the $2.1 billion computer system has misidentified aircraft and had trouble processing radar information. He said air traffic controllers in Salt Lake City where the system is being tested have also had difficulty transferring responsibility for planes to other controllers.

Scovel warned that if the problems continue they could delay transition to an air traffic control system based on GPS technology instead of radar.