ATC News

FL360aero

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U.S. Rebuilds Air Traffic Control From Rotating Radar to Digital Surveillance

The United States is undertaking a broad modernization of its air traffic control system, shifting from legacy rotating radar toward digital surveillance. The transition highlights the infrastructure, technology and operational changes required to improve how aircraft are monitored and managed across the national airspace system.

Flying Magazine

High activity

FAA advances $30 million plan to modernize Newark air traffic control with surface-movement radar

The FAA is installing new surface-movement radar at Newark Liberty International Airport as part of a $30 million plan to replace air traffic control systems that are roughly 30 years old. The technology is intended to help controllers monitor airport movements and prevent runway incidents, while transportation officials seek as much as $10 billion for broader upgrades.

The Hill

FAA recruits more than 2,000 gamers as air traffic-controller candidates

A U.S. Department of Transportation campaign is directing video-game players toward careers in air traffic control, with more than 2,000 gamers recruited as candidates. The effort highlights gaming skills as a potential pathway into the airport and airspace-management workforce.

The Hill

NORAD F-16s intercept two civilian aircraft violating temporary restrictions near Trump’s New Jersey golf club

NORAD intercepted two general-aviation aircraft that entered temporary flight-restricted airspace over Bedminster, N.J., while President Donald Trump attended a LIV Golf championship at his nearby club. F-16s escorted both aircraft out of the restricted area, according to reports.

Flying Magazine

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NATCA Leadership Candidates Reject Duffy’s Claims That Controller Sick Calls Drove Flight Disruptions

Two candidates seeking to lead the National Air Traffic Controllers Association are challenging Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s suggestion that controller sick calls contributed to recent flight delays and cancellations. Their response sharpens an ongoing dispute over whether staffing-related absenteeism or broader workforce strain is driving operational disruption.

CNBC

High activity

Archer to acquire Boeing’s Wisk, Insitu and SkyGrid in all-stock deal

Archer Aviation will acquire Boeing subsidiaries Wisk Aero, drone maker Insitu and air traffic-management firm SkyGrid in an all-stock transaction pending regulatory approval. The deal would give Boeing nearly 20% of Archer, make it the largest outside shareholder and add a board seat, with closing expected by year-end.

Reuters

NORAD F-16s Intercept Two General Aviation Aircraft Violating Bedminster TFR

NORAD said F-16 fighter aircraft intercepted two general aviation aircraft that entered temporary flight restriction airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey, on Aug. 9, 2026, while President Donald Trump attended a tournament at his golf club. The incident underscores the airspace-security measures surrounding presidential movements.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

Air Traffic Controllers Reject Duffy’s Claims That Sick Calls Drove Northeast Disruptions

Air traffic controllers are disputing Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s assertion that high rates of sick calls caused days of delays and disruption across the Northeast. They called the allegation “patently false,” arguing that overworked and understaffed facilities—not widespread absenteeism—are driving the operational strain.