FAA Replaces Paper Flight Strips With Digital System at Reagan National Tower

Overview

• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy showcased the change at DCA, marking the shift from decades of paper strips to electronic entries in the control tower.
• Reagan National becomes one of 10 airports using TFDM, which provides a shared, real-time ground picture to manage sequencing and surface movement.
• Leidos developed the platform, which includes digital flight strips, an integrated surface display, and predictive tools intended to improve coordination and safety, according to the company.
• Leidos says TFDM implementation at DCA began in June 2025 and reached operational status about 45% faster than the typical 18‑month rollout.
• The announcement coincides with the NTSB’s final report on the January 2025 midair near DCA, which issued recommendations to the FAA and DOT on terminal safety and information‑sharing.