Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 1 hr ago
FAA to replace floppy disks in US air traffic control system
The FAA is replacing floppy disks still used in parts of the US air traffic control system.
The disks hold weather and other critical information used by controllers.
The new Enterprise Information Display System, or E-IDS, will replace older systems and let controllers share important information electronically.
E-IDS will improve how controllers share pilot reports and flight alerts, including reports about weather and notices about airspace restrictions.
The FAA plans to install the system at 435 sites by the end of 2028, with Atlantic City and Nashville international airports among the first locations.
The goal is to help controllers make timely decisions and keep the flying public safe.
The Federal Aviation Administration plans to replace floppy disks used to store data in the US air traffic control system.
The replacement is the Enterprise Information Display System, or E-IDS, which is intended to let controllers share critical information more quickly.
The ageing disks hold weather and other critical information used by the current system.
The FAA plans to install E-IDS at 435 sites by the end of 2028.
Atlantic City International Airport and Nashville International Airport are among the first locations slated to receive it.
- Who
- The Federal Aviation Administration is replacing the system. US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the rollout.
- What
- The FAA plans to replace floppy-disk-based data storage with the Enterprise Information Display System.
- When
- The announcement was reported on November 9, 2026. The FAA plans to complete the upgrade by the end of 2028.
- Where
- Across the US National Airspace System, at 435 sites.
- Why
- E-IDS is intended to help controllers share critical flight alerts, restricted airspace schedules and pilot reports, and make timely decisions.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
PC Gamer reported that Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the rollout of the floppy-disk replacement.
The FAA plans to complete the upgrade to E-IDS at 435 sites.
- Replacement system
- Enterprise Information Display System (E-IDS)
- Sites planned for upgrade
- 435
- Upgrade target
- By the end of 2028
- Early locations
- Atlantic City International Airport and Nashville International Airport
- Current system named in article
- Information Display System 4 (IDS-4)
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What people are saying
Good news America: floppy disks are out, 21st century tech is in
The greatest nation in the world deserves a state-of-the-art air traffic control system, and under President Trump, we’re delivering just that.
E-IDS gives air traffic controllers the information they need to make timely decisions and keep the flying public safe,