Air Traffic Software Glitch Leads To Multiple Florida Ground Stops

Image: FAA
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Key Takeaways:

  • A system error with the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system caused flight delays and ground stops for major Florida airports on January 2nd.
  • The FAA has successfully resolved the computer issue and is working to safely restore normal traffic rates in the Florida airspace.
  • The malfunction led to dozens of delays, occurring just a week after widespread flight disruptions due to massive storms over the Christmas holiday.
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The FAA says a system error on Monday (Jan. 2) that caused flight delays associated with major Florida airports has been fixed. “The computer issue has been resolved,” the agency wrote in a statement. “The FAA is working toward safely returning to a normal traffic rate in the Florida airspace.”

Known as the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system, the software is designed to leverage airborne precision navigation capability to help air traffic control to maximize traffic flow. When it malfunctioned on Monday, ATC facilities were forced to resort to a ground stop until the problems could be resolved. The issue with the ERAM system led to dozens of delays, according to news reports, just a week after massive storms created havoc with the national airspace system over the Christmas holiday weekend.

Mark Phelps

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.
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