US FAA says it will phase out floppy disks from air traffic control by 2028

Re:US FAA says it will phase out floppy disks from air traff... by einhard on Saturday November 07, 2026 @12:57AM (#50402046)

We already have some systems in place for this, specifically stuff like ACARS and CPDLC. I suspect the issue is in congested terminal airspace, though; if you have many aicraft talking to an approach controller it is not uncommon to have multiple transmissoins at the same time.

However, approach phases are exactly the same periods when the pilots probably shouldn't be looking at their FMCs and texting. Voice communication is faster, and so is acknowledgement of voice commands, while allowing the pilots to concentrate on more critical controls. For example, in many airports it is possible to get departure clearances and such via text, but take-off clearance and taxi instructions will still be voice over radio.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:US FAA says it will phase out floppy disks from air traff... by xp84 on Saturday November 07, 2026 @02:01PM (#50407042)

I think anything we could roll out today would be equally superior whether audio or text mode. Both ought to be available. The important part is instead of enduring the potato audio quality and the zero managing of conflicts, we could have crystal clear audio and, with some kind of a CDMA/packet switched thing, two transmissions sent at the same time could be buffered and play sequentially, and also without too much work, the message “for you” or comms for an emergency aircraft would be prioritized.

[ Parent | on HN ]