FAA having 'air show'.

[trof]

Computer glitch has hundreds (thousands?) of airplanes either grounded or in holding patterns.

I worked as an assistant controller and trainer in the Boston Center for a couple of years.

One day, due to weather, aircraft diversions, and airport closings, one of the sectors was totally overloaded with traffic.
The controller working the neighboring sector glanced over at his buddy's scope.
"Hey guys, come look! Charlie's having an air show!"

A couple of supervisors plugged in and helped Charlie get it sorted out, but I laughed so hard my sides ached.
It wasn't the last 'air show' we had.

[tekisui]

1. How long can they stay in holding patterns.

And could they still manage organized landings if/when needed.

[trof]

4. It can get hairy.

The simple answer is they can hold as long as the fuel lasts.
But not to the last drop.
Gotta have enough to get to a destination or alternate, shoot a missed approach, and still have enough fuel for another approach and landing.

On top of this, airlines are urging pilots to cut fuel costs by not carrying as much 'extra' fuel.

[MercutioATC]

8. Don't worry...we'll get them down safely.

Depending on exactly how it dumped, this is either a safety issue we can deal with or just a massive non-safety problem.

Either way, we take the job personally and we'll make sure it all works out...despite management's screw-ups.

[billyoc]

2. That is ONE job I do not covet. It was rough enough with a Union.

:scared:

[LSparkle]

3. I've had MAJOR problems accessing my work computer from home today

I wasn't feeling well and am working from home today and,
although I'm doing fine here on DU, I'm having MAJOR delays
when I try to access my work computer. ???

"I really WANTED to do work today but I COULDN'T because
of the delay." Nice excuse, but it happens to be the
truth.

And I'm in L.A. and I've heard LAX isn't having any computer
problems ...

[MercutioATC]

5. The radar is fine...it's a flight plan issue.

There will be huge delays, but it's not an imminent danger to planes in the sky. This has happened before. It's a pain in that ass that's due solely to FAA mismanagement and "cost-cutting".

Be concerned, be upset...but don't worry. We'll get everybody on the ground safely.

[trof]

6. Ah. That does pose a problem.

Gotta file before you fly.

[MercutioATC]

7. There are two servers that handle the data...when one overloads,

it pushes the responsibility to the other........which occasionally overloads the other server.

Your tax dollars at work.