The FAA is conducting a 30-day review of contingency plans and security protocols for its major facilities, after a “criminal action by a contractor knocked out communications equipment” at the FAA air route traffic control center (ARTCC) in Aurora, Ill. on Friday, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta announced yesterday at an Air Traffic Control Association conference in Maryland.
According to NBAA Air Traffic Services, Chicago Center remains “ATC Zero” because of equipment damage from Friday’s fire. The FAA said it is estimating an October 13 return-to-service date for the facility. “Numerous initiatives are being used to manage traffic to, from and around [the center’s] airspace and airports,” though there continue to be widespread delays for arrivals and departures in the Chicago area. NBAA is asking operators to “file accurately” to help reduce delays and “fuel accordingly” since “capping, tunneling and miles-in-trail restrictions” are to be expected.
The FAA said air traffic controllers are continuing to raise the volume of flights into and out of Chicago-area airports, with O’Hare at 80 percent and Midway at 90 percent of average capacity as of midday yesterday. However, these efforts could be complicated tomorrow by expected thunderstorms and tomorrow afternoon and Thursday as a result of a Presidential TFR that will affect operations at Chicago-area airports.
