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FAA Delays: Same Problem, No Solutions

Agency learned little—if that—from previous, too-similar failures

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Aug 27, 2008 8:42 PM CDT

(Newser) – A software glitch that left thousands of passengers delayed or stranded at US airports yesterday is becoming a familiar problem with the Federal Aviation Administration, Kevin Kelleher writes in Portfolio. Pretty much the same thing—a cascade of overloaded servers—happened last week, and last year. "With 20-20 hindsight, the FAA should be able to respond quickly, right?" Kelleher protests.

A spokesman for air-traffic workers claims they weren't even told about the outage, saying the FAA "is pretty much out of control right now." After several inconsistent answers to media queries, an FAA spokesman was asked how many people were getting skewered because of this snafu. He responded: "I think it's primarily public affairs."

A traveler waits in Texas after being stranded because of the FAA's computer failure yesterday. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

An electronic communication failure yesterday caused mass flight delays around the country. (AP Photo/Edouard H.R. Gluck)

Departure board at the United Airlines terminal at O'Hare International Airport yesterday after the FAA computer glitch. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

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FAA Delays: Same Problem, No Solutions

Agency learned little—if that—from previous, too-similar failures

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More Newser Stories

US Looks to Grant Drones Airspace—Next to Your Plane

Civilian law enforcement and others increasingly want flying robots

FAA: Pilots Can Use iPads ... During Takeoff, Landing

But lowly passengers? No such luck

FAA Chief Resigns After DWI Arrest

Randy Babbitt will step down after weekend misfire

FAA Chief on Leave After DWI Arrest

Randy Babbitt was driving on wrong side of road, cops say

Airline Hit With $900K Fine for Tarmac Waits

American Eagle first to be fined under new policy

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FAA Delays: Same Problem, No Solutions

Agency learned little—if that—from previous, too-similar failures

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

FAA • airline delays • computer glitch

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

US Looks to Grant Drones Airspace—Next to Your Plane

Civilian law enforcement and others increasingly want flying robots

FAA: Pilots Can Use iPads ... During Takeoff, Landing

But lowly passengers? No such luck

FAA Chief Resigns After DWI Arrest

Randy Babbitt will step down after weekend misfire

FAA Chief on Leave After DWI Arrest

Randy Babbitt was driving on wrong side of road, cops say

Airline Hit With $900K Fine for Tarmac Waits

American Eagle first to be fined under new policy

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Newser By Users

Community

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