FAA’s Bedford Defends ATC Modernization Delays But Says More Money Needed

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Associate Administrator for Air Traffic Navigation Services, Michael Bedford, defended recent delays in modernizing air traffic control systems during a Senate hearing on Tuesday. Bedford stated that the agency is facing significant challenges related to cybersecurity and technological integration as key obstacles to progress. He emphasized that these complexities require careful consideration and thorough testing before implementation. Despite acknowledging the delays, Bedford asserted that additional funding is necessary to successfully complete the modernization program. The FAA official did not confirm whether they would provide controllers with the proposed 3.8% salary increase mandated by Congress.