FAA says new weather system to make air travel more efficient

WASHINGTON (AP) — Air traffic controllers in the United States are now using a more accurate system to track weather that will lessen delays for air passengers, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA said the system is now up and running on air traffic controllers’ computer monitors at all 20 air route traffic control facilities which handle traffic at high altitudes.

FAA Administrator Marion Blakey said the new Weather and Radar Processor helps controllers steer planes clear of storms.

“We can now see the same weather that the pilots see and, as a result, make more informed

decisions about rerouting traffic to reduce delays and increase efficiency,” Blakey said recently.

The system displays weather at different altitudes in three different colors. It’s more accurate and precise than the technology it replaced, the FAA said.