The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today the testing of new safety logic software installed in the existing AMASS/ASDE-3 ground radar system at Logan International Airport. The new safety logic is designed to alert FAA controllers when there is a possibility of an incident on Logan's runways. Logan Airport is the first airport in the country to obtain this new software upgrade. Installation of the safety logic software was a recommendation of the joint FAA/Massport Team that was convened last fall to address airfield incursions. The upgraded system will remain in place until the newer and more sophisticated ASD-3X ground radar system is installed, which could take up to two years to install.

In order to test and further calibrate the alert capabilities of the new safety logic software system, the FAA will conduct test flights for a period of up to 4 hours, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., on Sunday, April 30, 2006, and if needed, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 7, 2006. Wind and weather permitting, this test may result in some overflights for communities adjacent to the airport.

If there are any questions or concerns, residents can call Massport's Noise Abatement line during normal business hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) for further details at 617-561-3333. For general information, please call Massport's Office of Government and Community Affairs at 617-568-3711.

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