U.S. Federal Aviation Administration sent this bulletin at 08/19/2026 03:48 PM EDT
Week of August 17, 2026
Electronic Flight Strips Now In 20th Air Traffic Control Tower
Air traffic controllers at Dayton International Airport (DAY) in Ohio are now using Electronic Flight Strips (EFS), marking the 20th towerto receive this groundbreaking upgrade as part of the FAA’s Brand New Air Traffic Control System. EFS replace the antiquated paper strips controllers have been using for decades and allow for real-time data updates, increasing both safety and efficiency.
For information on other nationwide 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.
This week’s guest Weather Squad forecaster is Melissa Barrington with Dayton’s own WDTN-TV. Melissa is forecasting scattered thunderstorms moving through the Midwest and East Coast. Extreme heat will continue to be a problem for the central states throughout the weekend.
Filling the Air Traffic Controller Gap
The FAA is more than 95 percent of the way toward reaching our 2026 air traffic controller hiring goal! We’ve hired more than 2,100 candidates and they’ll be heading to the Air Traffic Control Academy in Oklahoma City.We’restill filling every seat at the Academy and getting controllers to their first facilities faster than ever.
Happy National Aviation Day to all aviation enthusiasts out there!
ICYMI
Last week, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) received a new Surface Movement Radar (SMR). SMRs enable air traffic controllers to track aircraft and vehicles on runways and taxiways and alert them to potential conflicts. DCA is the fifth airport to get this new technology. Learn more about DCA’s SMR and download video from our press release.
