Air traffic control: a system-wide upgrade races to replace two-decade-old equipment

Near-term improvements in the air traffic control system are examined, and concerns over whether these changes will be comprehensive and made quickly enough to keep up with traffic growth are addressed. The abilities of the new host computers installed in the 20 US en route centers are discussed. The problem of too many pilots communicating with a controller on one radio frequency, which is nowhere close to being solved, is considered. New digital radar equipment and its capabilities are described. The need to increase human controller productivity is explored.<>