The FAA says it will phase out floppy disks by 2028
The FAA will no longer use floppy disks in 2028. Here's what you need to know.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to phase out the use of floppy disks across its over 400 air traffic control locations by 2028. This decision comes after more than three decades since the last major manufacturer of floppy disks, Sony, ceased production in 2011. While floppy disks have largely been obsolete for many years, the FAA continues to employ them for critical information such as weather updates, airport statuses, and equipment issues.
This outdated technology is used for important data, including weather conditions, airport statuses, and equipment concerns. In 2022, Congress allocated $12.5 billion to address the U.S. air traffic control systems' outdated technology. Furthermore, the Department of Transportation is seeking an additional $30 billion for more extensive upgrades.
Apart from the floppy disk replacement, the FAA aims to enhance its telecommunications systems, which currently rely on computers dating back decades and parts procured on eBay.
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