• Denver Air Traffic Control experienced a two-minute communication outage due to radio transmitter failure.
• Controllers safely managed communication using emergency frequencies, ensuring separation of aircraft.
• The outage raised concerns about the aging infrastructure of the FAA and prompted calls for modernization.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that communication failures at the Denver Air Traffic Control Center affected pilots for about two minutes on Monday. This outage stemmed from transmitter failures, which led controllers to switch to an emergency frequency to maintain contact with aircraft. According to Brad McIntosh, the FAA's deputy chief operating officer, the incident occurred around 1:50 p.m. and lasted approximately 90 seconds. Although these challenges raised concern, aircraft reportedly maintained safe separation during this period, and operations were not impacted, as controllers could relay instructions using an alternative frequency, according to Reuters and NPR.

The outage is part of broader concerns regarding the FAA's aging infrastructure, especially following recent incidents at Newark Liberty International Airport, which have put heightened scrutiny on the agency. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the Senate Appropriations subcommittee about the need for a significant overhaul of the air traffic control systems. The FAA has opted for makeshift solutions, including purchasing parts from eBay and using 3D printing technology, highlighting the dire state of equipment used at these facilities, according to CBS News.

The FAA's inability to ensure reliable communication during critical moments has prompted lawmakers like Representative Robert Garcia to express alarm, asserting that the problems within the system are "absolutely shocking." Garcia underscored the urgent need for immediate solutions and a commitment to modernizing the air traffic control infrastructure, which could potentially require an estimated $30 billion, according to Reuters, NPR, and CBS News.