By now, both the professional aviation network and the general public have witnessed the impact of aging and sometimes unreliable Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure on aviation operations in recent years. Friday, September 19, was no exception, as technical ATC problems once again caused flight disruptions, this time affecting Dallas’ two major airports, Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL).

FAA’s Dallas Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility, which manages the busy Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, experienced a telecom and data services issue that resulted in extended ground stops and major delays as services were brought back online. The problem’s root cause was the accidental cutting of two fiber optic cables.

This situation, in turn, disrupte

See Full Page