[Scan-DC] RE: Major FAA communications problem

[Andrew Clegg]

An update from a travel newsletter...

I'm writing with news of growing delays systemwide on flights throughout
the United States.

Apparently, an FAA scheduling computer near Atlanta has developed an
unexpected glitch. That has led to ground stops on hundreds of departing
flights and forcing some flights in the air to circle their arrival
airport rather than land.

Delays have been piling up since about 2:30 pm Eastern Time. Needless to
say, with thousands of flights in the air and thousands more due to
depart, delays are only going to worsen in the hours to come. I've
already heard of gate-hold times exceeding one hour as air traffic
controllers work to get flights in the air on the ground.

If you're stuck at the airport now, well, there probably isn't much you
can do but wait. If you are scheduled to fly later today, however, you
might be wise to consider your plans. And DO NOT assume the airlines
have accurate, up-to-date information. They seem at least as confused by
this any anyone else since this is an FAA issue, not an airline issue. 

CNN tells me that it has gone live with this breaking news on the
Airport Network, which is displayed on monitors at airport gates
throughout the country. If you're in an airport club, get the set tuned
to one of the all-news networks. They have all just gone live with
coverage.

-----Original Message-----
From: Andrew Clegg [mailto:w4jecom at w4je.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 3:54 PM
To: w4jecom at w4je.com; scan-dc at mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: Major FAA communications problem


Correction -- liveatc.net.


-----Original Message-----
From: Andrew Clegg [mailto:w4jecom at w4je.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 3:49 PM
To: scan-dc at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Major FAA communications problem


CNN is reporting major nationwide FAA "communications problem" dealing with
flight plan clearances is wreaking havoc with air traffic. Might be
interesting listening on clearance/delivery freqs. Miles O'Brien on CNN
mentioned "liveatc.com" as a site for listening to ATC at difference
airports.