Air Traffic Control Status of FAA's Modernization Program.

In late 1981, the Federal Aviation Administration FAA began a modernization program to replace and upgrade the National Airspace Systems NAS equipment and facilities to meet the expected increase in traffic volume, enhance the margin of air safety, and increase the efficiency of the air traffic control system-the principal component of the NAS. historically, the modernization program has experienced many problems in meeting cost, schedule, and performance goals. As a result, many of the promised benefits from using new equipment have been delayed, and the aviation communitys confidence in FAAS ability to manage the modernization program has been weakened. Because of the complexity, cost, and problem-plagued past of FAAS modernization program, we designated it a high-risk information technology initiative in 1995 and again in 1997. In light of past problems and continuing concerns about key projects being funded under this program, you asked us to provide current information on the status of the modernization program. As agreed with your offices, this report provides information on the 1 status of the overall modernization program, including its cost 2 status of 18 key modernization projects and 3 challenges facing the overall modernization program. See app. I for specific information on these 18 projects. A listing of projects completed from 1983 through August 1998 is included in app. II.