Air Traffic Software Glitch Leads To Multiple Florida Ground Stops

Image: FAA
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Key Takeaways:

  • A system error within the FAA's En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system on January 2nd caused significant flight delays, particularly in Florida airspace.
  • The malfunction forced air traffic control facilities to implement ground stops, leading to dozens of delays.
  • The FAA has since resolved the computer issue and is working to safely return to normal air traffic rates in the affected airspace.
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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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