Yes, it does; as of June 2025, the U.S.’s air traffic control (ATC) system continues to rely on decades-old technology that includes floppy disks and dated operation systems such as Windows 95. Although the technology has been around for over thirty years and continues to serve impeccably, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to modernize its equipment. The upgrades planned for the FAA are part of a significant push. This push aims for the USA to improve all parts of the country’s critical infrastructure.

Key takeaways:

  • To this day, air traffic control in the USA utilizes outdated technologies, such as Windows 95 and floppy disks. 
  • The government is working to modernize technology and bring the country’s critical infrastructure into the 21st century.
  • The lack of upgrades over the last decades is explained by efficient operations and the inconveniences/challenges caused by modernization attempts.  
  • Air transportation is not the only critical infrastructure segment that needs attention and innovation.

Is there a need for modernization?

There are several reasons. The primary one is that the systems are becoming unsustainable. And they are starting to become irreparable. The lack of spare parts, along with dated technology, can be a terrible combination. Technology from the 20th century is also a security risk, as bad actors may try to exploit old loopholes. Even though there are no known major incidents caused by outdated technology, it is not uncommon for old equipment to be blamed for service faults. Old infrastructure is sometimes cited as a reason for travelers experiencing grounded flights, and it is undoubtedly a contributing factor to flight departures being delayed or even stopped.

Why the delay in innovation?

With the USA being at the forefront of technology, people might wonder why the government has not done more over the years. However, it is essential to note that critical infrastructure cannot afford to experience significant downtime. A simple system restart or update can be plagued by a multitude of technical problems and cause hours of delay. Similar to health organizations that often get targeted by hackers because they lack updates or proper technology support, as they need to be available 24/7, some FAA systems cannot shut down without significant implications for travelers. 

What other parts of U.S. critical infrastructure need attention?

There are numerous needs to be addressed in the nuclear, electricity, water treatment, telecoms, as well as other transportation sectors. For example, San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency also partially operates on floppy disks. The statement may sound ludicrous, considering the crime-ridden city is often regarded as the tech capital of the world. Still, it is a fact that their transportation system is also in dire need of innovation. The city government plans to modernize its train service within the next five years.

The United States is a beacon of technological innovation. The land of the free is home to some of the world’s largest tech conglomerates and has established itself as a top technological powerhouse through its advancements in various sectors, including space exploration and defense. However, it is also a fact that even the most advanced country needs improvements and proper maintenance. Even though systems work okay with minor problems on Windows 95 and floppy disks, it is likely time to upgrade the country’s most critical sectors.
This includes bringing the ATC’s technology into the 21st century. One thing everyone agrees on is this: travelers need a reliable, robust, and durable air transportation system. Such a system could be maintained by improvements in the technology used by ATC.

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