The Federal Aviation Administration plans to retire floppy disks still used in some air traffic control towers. The aging storage format will be phased out by 2028.
Floppy disks have lingered in federal systems long after the private sector abandoned them. The FAA now aims to end that reliance.
The change targets outdated hardware that keeps critical aviation systems running. Officials say the transition will modernize air traffic operations.
Floppy disks once symbolized portable computing. Today they are difficult to source, costly to maintain, and prone to failure.
The phase-out is part of a broader push to upgrade federal infrastructure. Other agencies have faced similar struggles with legacy technology.
Modern replacements offer faster performance and stronger reliability. The FAA expects smoother maintenance and reduced downtime.
Industry analysts note that legacy systems persist because replacing them is expensive and complex. The 2028 deadline gives the agency time to migrate safely.
