The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a major modernization effort to phase out 1980s-era floppy disks and paper strips from the United States air traffic control system. The agency plans to replace aging equipment with a modernized digital framework called the Enterprise Information Display System (E-IDS).
A Modern System for Flight Safety
The new E-IDS platform will be installed across 435 aviation facilities to streamline operational data access for controllers. The FAA stated that the system will address long-standing end-of-life hardware issues while improving how vital safety information is distributed. Specifically, the technology aims to speed up the delivery of Pilot Reports regarding severe weather conditions and Notices to Airmen, which contain warnings about airspace hazards and abnormal operational statuses.
Work on the technology upgrade has been underway for more than six years. Last year, then-Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau informed the House Appropriations Committee that the transition would eliminate the reliance on floppy disks and paper strips in control facilities.
“E-IDS gives air traffic controllers the information they need to make timely decisions and keep the flying public safe,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said. He explained that moving away from manual processes allows controllers to immediately share flight alerts, restricted airspace schedules, and pilot reports across the entire National Airspace System.
Rollout Timeline and Locations
The system deployment is scheduled to begin at select locations before expanding nationwide over the coming years. Initial installations of the E-IDS platform will take place at Atlantic City International Airport, Nashville International Airport, Greater Rochester International Airport, and major data processing hubs located in Atlanta and Salt Lake City.
The FAA expects the complete rollout across all 435 target facilities to be finished by the end of 2028.
