GAO Testimony: Urgent FAA Actions Are Needed to Modernize Aging Air Traffic Control Systems

Opening Statements for Kevin Walsh, Director of GAO's Information Technology & Cybersecurity Team to the Senate Subcommittee on on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovations during the Markup & Subcommittee Hearing on U.S. Air Traffic Control Systems, Personnel and Safety www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-107917 The Federal Aviation Administration relies on information systems to help air traffic controllers keep the airspace safe and efficient. However, these systems are aging and experiencing issues. Last year, FAA determined that 51 of its 138 systems are unsustainable. Our testimony highlights that 17 of these unsustainable systems are especially concerning. However, FAA doesn't plan to complete modernization projects for some of these systems for at least 10 years. FAA also doesn't have plans to modernize other systems in need--3 of which are at least 30 years old. We recommended that FAA manage risks while it addresses unsustainable systems.