U.S. Federal Aviation Administration sent this bulletin at 10/01/2026 10:32 AM EDT
Week of September 28, 2026
New Technology Coming to Denver
Air traffic controllers at Denver International Airport (DEN) are getting some of the latest upgrades needed to support the critical work they do. This week, controllers are making the switch from antiquated paper strips to Electronic Flights Strips (EFS). EFS replaces old paper strips and increases safety and efficiency by providing real-time updates and streamlining the flight-planning process.
Also rolling out at DEN is the newest surface safety technology. The FAA installed two new Surface Movement Radars (SMRs) at DEN. This technology gives controllers a better tool to track aircraft and vehicles on runways and taxiways and alert them to potential conflicts.
DEN is the 23rd airport to receive EFS and the seventh airport to get new SMRs.
DEN Surface Movement Radar
For information on other nationwide upgrades as part of the Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS), check out our Modern Skies website.
DEN Electronic Flight Strips
NFL Games Are No Drone Zones
As football season heats up, the FAA and FBI remind everyone to leave their drones at home. All NFL games are No Drone Zones. Drone operators who enter restricted airspace without authorization can face fines of up to $100,000, drone confiscation and federal criminal charges. Be sure to check airspace restrictions before your drone takes flight.
This week’s guest Weather Squad forecaster is Chris Bianchi with 9News out of Denver. Chris is forecasting rainy conditions for the eastern half of the country as we approach the weekend. Skies should clear up everywhere but the East Coast by Saturday.
ICYMI
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy is calling on Congress to pass the Modern Skies Act which will invest $30 billion for modern infrastructure, technology and towers at airports across the country. Hear what Secretary Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford had to say about the Act at Reagan Washington National Airport this week and check out our recent press release .
Last week, the FAA announced it is investing $84.4 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants in Texas, North Carolina, and Wyoming airports. Read more in our recent press release.
The FAA announced it issued McKinney National Airport in Texas a Part 139 Airport Operating Certificate, which allows the airport to accommodate commercial passenger airline service. Read more in our press release.
