The Summer Slice
As the summer skies heat up, so does the news. The Summer Slice is your weekly roundup of news and updates in the world of aviation, covering everything from tracking hurricane activity and managing the skies during peak travel times to improvements in air traffic control and reminders to pack safe. Whether you're in the sky or on the ground, the FAA's got you covered with the insights that matter most this summer.
Building the Air Traffic System of the Future
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and the FAA are calling on world-class innovators to help build a new, state-of-the-art air traffic control system. We’re seeking an integrator to manage this effort, including acquiring capabilities, and deploying the new technologies. As a first step, the FAA is seeking information about how best to implement this new air traffic system. This bold effort will shape the future of American Aviation. Interested companies can learn more about this plan by attending our Industry Days June 10-12.
Newark Updates
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced on June 2 that construction on Runway 4-Left/22-Right at Newark Liberty International Airport was completed 13 days ahead of schedule. The runway is open only for departures until the FAA finishes flight checks to ensure landing aids are operational and the runway is safe for arrivals. The airport will continue to operate with a maximum arrival rate of 28 aircraft an hour until those checks are complete. After that, the airport’s maximum arrival rate will be 34 aircraft an hour. It should be fully operational for both departures and arrivals the week of June 9.
Hurricanes
This week marks the start of hurricane season, which officially began
June 1 and ends November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts between 13 and 19 named storms for 2025, which means now is a good time to learn more about how to prepare.
Hurricanes typically start out as a low-pressure system that moves through the warm ocean waters of the tropics. The warm water fuels rain and thunderstorm activity, allowing the system unlimited access to the power it needs to organize and develop. The tropical wave becomes a tropical storm when sustained wind speeds reach 39 miles per hour. At this stage, the storm is given its predetermined name. This year’s storm name list begins with Andrea and ends with Wendy. Once wind speeds within the storm reach 74 miles per hour, the system is officially a Category One hurricane. On a scale of one through five, hurricanes are rated based on maximum sustained windspeeds. Hurricanes are considered major when they reach category three status, with wind speeds between 111 and 129 miles per hour.
Hurricane Hunters
While the FAA prepares all year for natural disasters,
researchers at NOAA spring into action as soon as a hurricane forms. Hurricane Hunters fly directly into the storms to gather critical data that can improve forecasts and help the public prepare. NOAA has two Lockheed P-3 Orions to handle this task, one named “Kermit” and one named “Miss Piggy.” Scientists aboard the aircraft use instruments to measure pressure, humidity, temperature, wind direction and wind speed. The Hurricane Hunters’ wind-speed measurements are often how hurricanes are upgraded or downgraded in category.
The FAA is Prepared
When storms arise, the FAA is ready. We use a variety of strategies to get travelers to their destinations safely. NOAA provides critical forecast data that helps the FAA prepare for any impacts weather may have on our operations. Our highly trained air traffic controllers work around the clock, in different types of facilities, to orchestrate the safe and efficient movement of thousands of flights each day. We also created new ultra-high sectors at the Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center that reduce delays by accommodating more aircraft.
For Passengers
It’s important to keep portable chargers, cellphones and tablets with you and easily accessible in carry-on bags. See our latest post on battery safety, showing what can happen when battery banks overheat. Monitor the status of any commercial airport across the National Airspace System at fly.faa.gov. Follow the FAA on X for timely updates and Weather Squad videos straight from the JATOC. These five tips can help travelers reach their destinations safely and smoothly.
In Case You Missed It
Flight Attendant Appreciation Day was Saturday, May 31. See our post on X recognizing Ellen Church, one of the first flight attendants. As aviation’s first responders, flight attendants are highly trained in emergency response and ensure the safety of passengers. Thank you to all flight attendants!
The FAA kicked off what we expect will be our busiest summer in 15 years this past Memorial Day weekend. We saw almost 54,000 flights last Thursday and those numbers will keep climbing throughout the summer. Cancellations over the weekend were less than one percent and delays were less than three percent. Nearly 60 percent of those delays were due to weather. While most of the country is starting to get their first taste of summer, we at the FAA have been preparing for months to handle the increase in travel.
Joint Air Traffic Operations Center (JATOC)
The FAA’s Joint Air Traffic Operations Center works hard every day to ensure the safe and efficient flow of air traffic across the National Airspace System. When severe weather hits, the dedicated experts at the JATOC quickly plan routes around the storms and protect equipment and FAA personnel before, during, and after the event. Learn more about what the JATOC does to ensure the safety of air travel by watching our newest YouTube video.
Myth-Buster: Extreme Heat and Flying
Have you ever flown out of Phoenix or Las Vegas and experienced delays on a perfectly clear day? Travelers will sometimes joke that it’s so hot outside the airplane tires are melting. This is an urban legend; your aircraft’s tires are not melting. Instead, some simple science is getting in the way of your escape from the heat.
Because hot air is less dense than cold air, it’s harder for an aircraft’s wings to generate lift. The airplane can still fly, but it requires a longer takeoff roll to generate the lift it needs. While the FAA doesn’t cancel flights due to extreme heat, airlines and flight crews must follow guidelines that specify the maximum safe temperature for an aircraft to operate.
Your mid-afternoon flight is more likely to get delayed than an earlier flight because peak temperatures hit between 3 and 4:30 p.m., which coincides with one of the busiest times of day at airports. Your best bet is leaving early in the morning so those hot summer afternoons don’t disrupt your departure!
System Updates and Safety Messaging
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced his plan to update the air traffic control system. Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau wants the flying public to know that while our current air traffic system needs updating, air travel is still the safest form of transportation. If necessary, the FAA slows down air traffic to ensure safety within the National Airspace System. Learn more about how the FAA is handling the issues facing Newark.
For Passengers
Monitor the status of any commercial airport across the National Airspace System at fly.faa.gov. Follow the FAA on X for timely updates and Weather Squad videos straight from the JATOC. These five tips can help travelers reach their destinations safely and smoothly. See our latest post on battery safety.