U.S. Uncertain on Y2K Readiness of 17 Countries’ Aviation Systems

The United States said Thursday it lacked enough data to judge the Year 2000 readiness of 17 international civil aviation systems with direct links to the United States.

Given the “inconclusive” status of Y2K preparations, the Transportation Department said it was difficult to estimate “the likelihood, length or severity of any disruptions” that might occur in these systems: Aruba, Cayman Islands, Czech Republic, French Antilles, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Netherlands Antilles, Paraguay, Samoa, St. Kitts, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos and Uruguay.

“Prudence, therefore, dictates that travelers electing to fly in the civil aviation system of [these destinations] during the period immediately before and after the New Year should plan their itinerary carefully,” the department said.

Travelers should “be prepared to cope with disruptions,” it said.

At issue is a coding problem that could scramble unprepared computers, and the operations they control, starting Jan. 1.

So far, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Department arm that certifies U.S. airports, aircraft and pilots, has not identified any aircraft safety problems associated with Y2K among manufacturers subject to its jurisdiction, the department said.

Most top foreign destinations for U.S. travelers report they have taken steps to ensure Y2K compliance for air traffic control systems, airlines and airports.