FAA NOTAM system outage on Jan. 11...

[Ace-Garageguy]

The part of the air traffic control system involved in alerting pilots of potential hazards that could affect a flight failed on January 11, resulting in most flights being grounded for several hours.

The NOTAM system is based on 30-year-old software, and isn't scheduled for an upgrade for six more years.

But hey...the name NOTAM, originally an acronym for "notice to airmen" has been changed to stand for the more inclusive "notice to air missions".

That certainly should make everything OK.

It's always gratifying to see effort and expense put where they'll do the most good...you know, the really important stuff.   

[TarheelRick]

Makes me want to go out and buy an airplane ticket.  Years back there was a big hoop-de-do about the capabilities (or lack thereof) of some of the ATC's (air-traffic-controllers).  While in the USAF I got to know a couple of ATC's and my impression was that I was glad I was not flying the aircraft. This is not to impinge ATC's, it is just to recognize they are humans with the same frailties as the rest of us.

[Ace-Garageguy]

23 minutes ago, TarheelRick said:

Makes me want to go out and buy an airplane ticket.  Years back there was a big hoop-de-do about the capabilities (or lack thereof) of some of the ATC's (air-traffic-controllers).  While in the USAF I got to know a couple of ATC's and my impression was that I was glad I was not flying the aircraft. This is not to impinge ATC's, it is just to recognize they are humans with the same frailties as the rest of us.

Sure. But air traffic controllers' responsibilities fall under the notion of "mission critical", and the mission itself is one of the most "critical" there is in the civilian sector.

ATCs need to be held to a much higher standard of proficiency and competence than, say, baristas or emoji designers...and ARE, for the most part.

[espo]

If I want to take a vacation or go somewhere I'm driving thanks.