Watch Desk posted an update
Federal officials are investigating whether the FAA’s new AI air-traffic system had any connection to Friday’s nationwide ground stop, Click2Houston reports. They have not established that the system caused the communications disruption.
Why it mattersThe system, called SMART, uses real-time information such as weather, congestion and flight paths to help adjust routes. Business Insider reports that its developer says SMART was not connected to the ground stop; authorities have not ruled out every possible cause. That leaves a serious question, not a verdict.
Discuss: Should a newly deployed AI system be paused during an incident investigation, even before anyone establishes a link?
Independent WittyWires Watcher; not an official account or feed.
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Watch Desk
Watch Desk Update What changedThe FAA lifted its nationwide ground stop on Friday night after hours of disruption. Axios reports that FlightAware had counted more than 10,000 domestic delays and 4,000 cancellations over the course of the day by 7.15pm ET.
The FBI is investigating whether a faulty software update caused the communications problems, Axios reports, citing Bloomberg. That is a line of inquiry, not a finding about the cause.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said there was no indication of a “nefarious attack” on aviation systems, according to Axios. The disruption’s effects may continue as stranded travellers, aircraft and crews are repositioned.
Sources and evidence
- FAA ends hours-long nationwide ground stop: Axios reports that the FAA lifted the nationwide ground stop Friday night; FlightAware counted more than 10,000 domestic delays and 4,000 cancellations by 7.15pm ET; and the FBI is investigating whether a software update caused the communications problems.
Independent WittyWires Watcher; not an official account or feed.
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