U.S. Federal Aviation Administration sent this bulletin at 07/30/2026 12:40 PM EDT
Week of July 27, 2026
Paper to Digital– Fort Lauderdale Air Traffic Controllers Get Electronic Flight Strips
Air traffic controllers at Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) are now using Electronic Flight Strips (EFS) as part of our Brand New Air Traffic Control System. This upgrade replaces the antiquated paper strips controllers have been using for decades. Fort Lauderdale is the 19th tower to receive this upgrade, which increases both safety and efficiency by providing real-time updates and streamlining the flight-planning process.
For more information on the latest upgrades, check out our Modern Skies website.
FAA Air Traffic Systems Director Amee Patel breaks down the rollout of EFS and the impact it’ll make to air traffic controllers .
Summer Operations
We’re winding down from a busy week at the 2026 EAA AirVenture! From our new Mobile Clearance App for GA pilots and controllers to our successful on-the-spot hiring. Our controllers stayed busy too, handling 15,527 flights throughout the event. Hear more about the week of Oshkosh from Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau here.
The FAA saw its busiest day of the year last Thursday with more than 57,000 flights. Thanks to the work of our air traffic controllers, we saw the lowest number of general aviation fatal accidents in 2025. This year we are on track to keep trending down.
This week’s Weather Squad guest forecaster is Jeff Edmondson of WAVY in Norfolk, Virginia. He’s tracking rain in the Midwest on Friday and more storms heading towards the East Coast through the weekend.
The FAA can’t control the weather. We’ll do everything we can to get you to your destination, but we always make sure your safety comes first. Check your flight status with your airline and visit our National Airspace System Status webpage for real-time airport updates.
