ATC News

Flying Magazine

High activity

House Democrats seek audit and pause of FAA AI air-traffic tool over safety concerns

House Democrats are pressing the FAA to pause and obtain a Government Accountability Office review of its new AI-driven air traffic management tool, which analyzes airline schedules, weather and other factors to predict traffic flows. Lawmakers question its reliability and warn that it could generate “hallucinated” safety-critical information as it is deployed at Washington-area airports.

Flying Magazine

High activity

FAA urged to halt AI air traffic tool at Washington-area airports as controllers warn of life-or-death stakes

An air traffic controller is urging the FAA to stop using an AI air traffic tool at Washington-area airports, citing the consequences of error. A separate controller perspective emphasizes that flight safety depends on clear communications and controllers speaking up when concerns arise.

Reuters

High activity

Lawmakers urge FAA to pause SMART AI air-traffic tool in Washington area over safety questions

More than two dozen lawmakers have asked the FAA to suspend use of its SMART AI tool for assisting air traffic controllers at Washington-area airports. Their concerns center on the system’s safety testing, controller training and oversight, and they are seeking answers from the agency before deployment continues.

AeroTime

High activity

German Eurofighters escort Corendon 737 to Nuremberg after false hijack alert

Two German Air Force Eurofighters scrambled after a Corendon Airlines Europe Boeing 737-800 flying from Corfu to Nuremberg transmitted a hijacking or emergency code. The aircraft landed safely; the airline attributed the alert to a radio malfunction, and authorities found no danger after a temporary suspension of airport operations.

AINonline

House and Senate bills would add $30 billion for air traffic control, on top of $12.5 billion approved in 2025

Legislation introduced in both chambers would increase federal funding for air traffic control by $30 billion, building on $12.5 billion approved in 2025. The available reporting does not specify how the proposed money would be allocated or the bills’ prospects, but the measures put ATC investment before Congress as a substantial funding question.

AINonline

FAA restricts pattern work and parallel departures at Colorado’s Centennial Airport

The FAA has curtailed aircraft pattern work and parallel departures at Centennial Airport, according to the AOPA. The association says the agency issued no NOTAM; pilots were instead notified by airport email, leaving the scope and duration of the restrictions unspecified in the available report.

Washington Post

FAA’s $30 billion modernization request needs conditions, not just funding

Congress should tie approval of Sean Duffy’s $30 billion FAA modernization request to enforceable requirements, including redundant physical routes, milestone-based funding and integrated staff training. The proposal argues that the scale of the investment alone will not ensure a durable modernization plan.

Washington Post

High activity

Army report attributes 2025 DCA midair collision that killed 67 to systemic failures

A U.S. Army investigation into the collision of an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport cites systemic breakdowns, including two failed radio transmissions that left the helicopter crew without critical air traffic control information. The report also identifies poor visibility and recommends sweeping changes.