FAA ADMINISTRATOR HUERTA CALLS FOR SECURITY PROTOCOL AND CONTINGENCY PLAN REVIEW
November 12, 2014
On September 26, 2014, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contract employee set fire to a Chicago-area air traffic control center, causing significant and ongoing operational issues at Chicago’s O’Hare International and Midway airports. Following the incident, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta stated the FAA would begin a 30 day review of airport contingency plans and security protocols for its major facilities.
Beginning this month, the FAA will begin working with air traffic control staff at major facilities to ensure preparations are in place to assure the safety of aircraft and the efficiency of air traffic control system. To facilitate the project, the FAA will begin by reviewing security protocols at impacted facilities to make sure that each has the most robust policies and practices in place possible.
Following the fire, Administrator Huerta reminded the industry that the recent attempt to shut down the Chicago facility is a reminder why FAA is working toward an even more robust and scalable system in NextGen, which will incorporate satellite-based technology for tracking and routing air traffic.