Feds Propose Fix for Airplane Collision Warning Devices

The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing changes to midair-collision warning devices on U.S. aircraft after discovering a safety problem on a test flight.

The FAA, in a notice in the Federal Register, said it is proposing to mandate software upgrades to devices manufactured by a unit of L-3 Communications Holdings that is known as Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems.

A spokesperson for L-3 and a spokesman for ACSS did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

The FAA is proposing the directive after reports of anomalies with the devices during a test flight over a high-density airport, according to the notice in the Federal Register.

The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that the warning devices are in use on nearly 9,000 aircraft in the United States.

(Reporting by Elinor Comlay; editing by Carol Bishopric)