FAA Report Outlines Changes Needed To Prevent Disruptions Like Aurora Facility Fire

(CBS) -- A new FAA report out today details changes needed to update dated FAA technology and procedures.

Back in September, operations at the Aurora communication center were halted after one man allegedly set fire to a critical operation point inside the facility. Contract worker Brian Howard is accused of setting the fire, which prompted major questions about security protocols.

CBS 2's Marissa Bailey explains the findings of the new reports

Via teleconference today and after a 30-day review, FAA director Michael Huerta announced new plans to bring communication centers to 90-percent efficiency within 24 hours should another major disruption take place.

"We need to have automation systems that enable us to more seamlessly connect," he said.

Hundreds of flights sat idle when employees evacuated Chicago center. It took hours to switch communication to other offices.

"It wasn't that the data was lost, it was that because of the way they were configured, they could not talk to each other beyond the immediatly adjacent facility."

Huerta also addressed heightening security in highly sensitive spaces inside FAA centers.

"We're looking at a lot of layers here...Things like surveillance, things like two person authentication, these are all a menu of things that we're working with for all of our facilities but also for specific aspects of facilities."

Huerta stressed that in order for the new plans to take effect, the agency needs resources allocated from Congress, but wouldn't name a dollar amount. The fire cost airlines $350 million. The FAA is still totaling how much it cost them, but Huerta said today it's in the millions.