Automation in air traffic control

A national Air Traffic Control automation system in the Federal Aviation Administration became a possibility with the advent of third generation computer hardware. By mid 1974, the FAA has implemented radar data processing in major terminals and four air route traffic control centers; within the next year all continental centers and high density terminals will be automated and interfaced. Key problems were in communications, interpretation of needs, continuity of intent. Managing the new system necessitated development of interpretative specialists, a new project-oriented management organization, a system of configuration control and a process for orderly functional change.