The FAA is still struggling with the software required for deployment of the standard terminal automation replacement system (Stars), according to a report released on August 14 by the Department of Transportation’s Inspector General (IG). Stars computers are being deployed at 11 large terminals to modernize ATC functions.

In May last year the IG warned that unstable software demands were placing Stars at risk of significant cost and schedule overruns. The FAA has yet to stabilize Stars software requirements, according to the IG’s August 14 report, which questions the agency’s management of the entire Stars deployment.

Following its report in May last year, the IG reviewed a complaint regarding Stars deployment at the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Tracon, which had claimed that the FAA certified Stars technical operations specialists improperly without first conducting any site familiarization training. The FAA responded that site familiarization training is not required, while acknowledging that Stars sites have unique characteristics that affect the use of the system to help controllers manage air traffic.