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Reports: Computer glitch causes flight delays in U.S.

Ken Mingis, Computerworld11.19.2009
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A computer system used by airline pilots to file flight plans in the U.S. was not working properly this morning, according to news reports by CNN and ABC News.

The problem reportedly caused some air travel delays, with ABC reporting that flights nationwide were being delayed by the glitch as of 8 a.m. ET.

A check of flight delay information at the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Control System Command Center, however, indicated no sign of delays or computer problems.

According to CNN, the National Airspace Data Interchange Network in Atlanta wasn't working properly, forcing pilots to process their flight plans through the network's office in Salt Lake City.

By 8:30 a.m. ET, the FAA status page had changed to indicate delays at Atlanta's Hartsfield airport where a "Traffic Management Program" was in effect. The agency blamed an "equipment outage" and advised travelers to check their airport for possible delays caused by the problem in Atlanta.

A check of several major airports, including those in Boston, New York City, Chicago and Dallas, showed that no flights destined for Atlanta would be allowed to depart before 10 a.m.

Reprinted with permission from Computerworld. Story copyright 2009 Computerworld Inc. All rights reserved.

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