Please see the Hartsfield Airport y2k info page to help answer my question. Will this, the busiest airport in the world, be ready in time?

-- Rachel Gibson (rgibson@hotmail.com), August 14, 1999

Answers

Rachel

It seems to be removed, wierd.

-- Brian (imager@home.com), August 14, 1999.

Brian,

No, it is still there. Perhaps I got the link wrong. Please try again!

-- Rachel Gibson (rgibson@hotmail.com), August 14, 1999.

No, got an error using that link: I called Delta Airlines, after a few transfers, got through to their "y2k contact for civilians" - I assume that means they have a contact point for the press, the government, and themselves internally (? - does this mean that different groups get different reports because they can't understand the same data, or that different groups "need" differernt reports becasue they can understand the same data-?).

Anyway, as of two weeks ago, Delta was still supporting the city of Atlanta "because we have to stay in business it has to operate" - but they most emphatically are not complete.

The Delta rep did not know the specific status of the city's infrastructure (phones, power, water, natural gas, police, etc.) that supports Hartsfield indirectly. In my opinion, these are more likely to fail than the specifically systems at Hartfield itself: in other words, the FAA (nationally) is going to be more reliable than the FAA's systems (locally at Hartsfield Airport), which will be more reliable than Hartsfield's Delta-specific systems, which will be more reliable than the other airline sytems at Hartsfield, which are more likely to work than the airport's internal systems, which are more likely to work correctly than the infrastructure that supports the whole thing.

So the roads, runways and bridges connecting the Atlanta airport to the ground are y2k-compliant: the airport is rated VFR for next year. As long as you have no baggage and don't need to go through security.

-- Robert A. Cook, PE (Kennesaw, GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), August 16, 1999.

Robert,

Thanks for looking into it. Your and Brian's inability to access the site is such a puzzle. Thanks, though, for doing follow-up. I cannot figure out why you cannot access the site: every time I click on it I go directly to it.

Anyway, I'll go out on a limb here and copy/paste, hoping I'm being legal. I found parts of the statement, with lack of update of the site since June, to be a concern. Also, theirs is the only statement I've seen that uses the word "compliance" inside the document rather than some form of "readiness." Sorry for the length.

link

"Y2K READINESS DISCLOSURE

Hartsfield's Year 2000 Program

The City of Atlanta, Department of Aviation (DOA), manages Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport (HAIA). The DOA relies on computers for many critical functions required for the operation of the airport. Certain equipment and facilities at the airport have embedded components. Computer hardware components and software may malfunction or may not properly recognize and process calendar dates beginning in the Year 2000. HAIA's airfield operations and business support units depend on internal and external computer systems and equipment that will be affected by the Year 2000 issue.

Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest passenger airport. Accordingly, achieving Year 2000 readiness is a top priority at HAIA. A structured Y2K program for internal systems and equipment was formally launched in the summer of 1998. The Year 2000 Program has four basic phases: (1) inventory; (2) assessment (including prioritization); (3) renovation (including modification, upgrading and replacement); and (4) testing/validation. In early 1999, the program was expanded to review Year 2000 effects on the business overall, including readiness of third parties who provide goods or services essential to HAIA's operations and facilities. In addition, existing business continuity plans are being revised to address Year 2000 issues. All work is being scheduled based on the criticality of the function. A fully staffed HAIA Year 2000 program team has been in place since mid-1998. DOA executives are regularly involved in the process and receive regular updates on the status of the program.

Scope of the Y2K Program

The scope of HAIA's Year 2000 Program is the systems and equipment owned and operated by the City of Atlanta, Department of Aviation at HAIA. However, the smooth flow of airplanes and passengers through a major airport involves other organizations, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the airlines, and vendors. Consequently, HAIA is collaborating with those entities on Y2K issues.

Number and Classification Systems

The HAIA Year 2000 Program team identified 159 systems and over 9,000 components that potentially could be impacted by Y2K issues. The detailed inventory was completed in December 1998, and the assessment phase was completed in February 1999. The systems were classified into priority order, as follows: (1) systems that affect Federal Air Regulations (FAR) Part 139 requirements for safe airfield operations, (2) systems that affect the requirements of FAR Parts 107/108, airport and airplane security, (3) airfield critical systems that do not relate to Parts 139, 107 or 108, (4) business critical systems, and (5) other systems. The renovation and testing/validation phases are underway. All Y2K renovation and testing/validation are scheduled and conducted in accordance with this priority order.

Renovation Strategy

HAIA has adopted a strategy of replacement rather than renovation of older equipment, and upgrade to newer software versions that are Y2K compliant. The schedule has been accelerated for some systems already planned for replacement later in 1999.

Schedule for Completion

HAIA will complete renovation and testing/validation of all critical systems by June 30, 1999. The HAIA Year 2000 Program will be completed in August 1999.

Interfaces with Third Parties

The Year 2000 Program team is reviewing, and has initiated formal communications with third parties which provide goods or services essential to HAIA's operations in order to: (1) determine the extent to which the airport operation is vulnerable to any failure by such material third parties to remediate their respective Year 2000 problems; and (2) resolve such problems to the extent practicable. These entities include the suppliers of infrastructure critical to the airport and systems of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Other critical third parties include suppliers of aircraft fuel, utilities, and communication services.

Estimated Year 2000 Costs

HAIA estimates that the total cost of achieving Year 2000 readiness for its internal systems and equipment is approximately $11 million.

Contingency Planning

HAIA is revising its existing business continuity plans to address internal and external Year 2000 issues. The contingency plans address business and technical contingencies in a comprehensive way. Such revisions are expected to be completed by August 1999. HAIA's objective is to continue airfield operations and critical business functions to the maximum extent possible, and to continue to operate to the extent it can do so safely. Alternatives include performing certain processes manually, repairing or obtaining replacement equipment and systems, changing suppliers, and reducing or suspending certain operations as necessary. HAIA believes, however, that due to the widespread nature of potential Year 2000 issues, the contingency planning process is ongoing and will require further modifications as HAIA obtains additional information regarding (1) its internal systems and equipment during the remediation and testing phases of its Year 2000 Program; and (2) the status of third party Year 2000 readiness.

Possible Consequences of Year 2000 Problems

HAIA believes that completed and planned modifications and conversions of its internal systems and equipment will allow it to be Year 2000 compliant in a timely manner. There can be no assurance, however, that the systems or equipment of third parties on which HAIA relies will be Year 2000 compliant in a timely manner. Although HAIA has contingency plans in place, we can not assure that third parties' contingency plans will mitigate the effects of any noncompliance."

"TEN Y2K FACTS

Prepared by: Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport City of Atlanta, Department of Aviation

Fact 1: Y2K is shorthand for the year 2000. Y2K is the abbreviated form for the Year 2000 (Y is Year and 2K is 2000). The term Y2K became popularized because of its association with the Year 2000 computer challenge, commonly known as the "Y2K bug" or "millennium bug." It's a global technology challenge that affects computer software, hardware and other date-sensitive equipment.

Fact 2: Updating technology solves the Y2K challenge. The problem originated in the 1960s when computer programmers created a two-digit format (19xx) for how computers recognize dates. This decision was a cost-cutting measure that has saved valuable storage space and enabled computers to recognize two digits, such as "99," as the four-digit date 1999. However, the new century presents a challenge because some computers may process the two zeros as the year 1900 or simply shut down. Therefore, date-sensitive systems are being replaced or updated to accurately read the year 2000.

Fact 3: The Y2K challenge is universal. The challenge at Hartsfield airport is the same one facing companies and governments around the globe. Computers and equipment must be updated and tested to ensure that facilities, operations and services are ready prior to January 1, 2000. To achieve this goal, the Department of Aviation (DOA) is collaborating and communicating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airport business suppliers, and domestic and international airlines.

Fact 4: Hartsfield has a comprehensive Y2K Program. The DOA began its Y2K Program in 1998 by establishing an on-site project team made-up of engineers and technology professionals, including private industry Y2K experts and a former FAA airfield inspector. Its mission is to update Hartsfield's systems to operate successfully into the year 2000 and beyond.

To achieve year 2000 readiness, the project team is implementing a Y2K methodology that is widely accepted around the world. In addition, the team is using an Oracle-based Knowledge Management System (KMS) to inventory and categorize information. Hartsfield's Y2K Program includes a five-step process:

1) Identify and inventory every date-sensitive computer system; 2) Assess the work required to bring each system into Y2K compliance; 3) Perform the actual work on the system; 4) Test the work to ensure it's correct; and 5) Implement the updated systems.

Fact 5: Critical and non-critical systems are being updated. The Y2K project team identified 17 mission critical systems and other lower priority systems that are being converted or replaced to become Y2K ready. The scope of the program includes servers, personal computers and other equipment with date-sensitive embedded chips. Some of these systems involve:

Airfield Lights Airport Train Customer Parking Airport Telephones Heating & A/C Systems Passenger Boarding

In addition, computers and equipment located on the airport property, but not owned or operated by the DOA, are being updated by the FAA, individual airlines, and vendors.

Fact 6: Hartsfield's Y2K Program includes independent testing. Hartsfield's critical systems are being tested by independent validation teams. This important process allows for an objective, third-party review of the airport's Y2K updated systems.

Fact 7: Hartsfield has a Y2K budget and timeline. The DOA plans to spend an estimated $11 million on its Y2K Program. Currently, the project team is completing its testing and certification of every identified system.

Fact 8: Hartsfield's Y2K Program will not disrupt travelers. The Y2K Program at Hartsfield is being conducted in a manner that will not disrupt passenger services and normal airport operations. All airport facilities, operations, services, and concessions will operate during normal hours to ensure optimal convenience and efficiency for all passengers.

Fact 9: Passenger safety and security are top priorities. The DOA does not anticipate a Y2K glitch. However, in the same way that stormy weather is handled at the airport, any situation will be managed in a way that places passenger safety and security above all other priorities. If deemed necessary, a contingency plan will be implemented to maintain normal airport operations.

Fact 10: The airlines and the FAA have Y2K programs. Hartsfield's Y2K Program involves communicating with every domestic and international airline that serves Atlanta. Each airline has a Y2K program that's managed independently from Hartsfield. You may forward your Y2K questions to an airline by contacting them directly. To reach Delta Air Lines, the airport's largest carrier, you may contact them on-line at http://www.delta-air.com/gateway/y2k/y2k. You may find out about the FAA's Y2K program by contacting them at www.faay2k.com.

How to contact us:

If you have a question, you may send it to the DOA Public Relations Manager, P.O. Box 20509, Suite 435, Atlanta, GA 30320. Please allow 5 to 10 working days for a response. You may also contact the Public Relations Manager at (404) 209-1700 (phone) or (404) 209-2942 (fax). Thank you."

-- Rachel Gibson (rgibson@hotmail.com), August 16, 1999.

Pardon my skeptism:

Their whole program was "started" in mid-1998, fully manned in fall 1998; detailed inventory only comlete in spring 1999, but complete rediation AND testing completed for all systems and components in Aug 1999!

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That might have been the schedule, but it's not completed yet if they are still working. (But the mayor claimed everything was done June 30?)

-- Robert A. Cook, PE (Kennesaw, GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), August 16, 1999.