STORY:
FAA Believes Its Met Y2K Deadline

June 30 had been date for US air traffic systems to be Y2K complaint

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration says it believes it has completed work on irradiating the Y2K computer bug from its air traffic control system. The FAA oversees some 10,000 flights a day and is responsible for all navigable airspace over the United States.

A spokesman for the FAA says preliminary indications are that all flight control systems are Y2K ready but the final sign off on compliance won't take place until the agency's Inspector General, the General Accounting Office and an independent contractor to validate the data.

FAA had set a June 30 deadline after it missed the federal government target of March 31 for all departments to have systems repaired, tested and back in service.

But agency officials do expect other airport problems that could be related to the Y2K computer bug. According to CNN, officials expect problems such as flight delays and problems with automated airport systems such as computerized baggage systems, trams and automated parking lots.

Industry experts believe the real air traffic control problems will take place outside the United States. July 1 is the deadline for international airports and air traffic control systems to report their Y2K status to the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Later this fall, the U.S. State Department plans to release a list of countries it recommends U.S. citizens avoid flying to over New Year's. The department could also issue travel advisories for particular countries based on Y2K readiness.

Source: CNN / Reuters

DATE: 7/1/99

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