Radar Glitch Causes Delays of some Flights

SAN DIEGO -- As many as 100 departing flights across Southern California -- including nearly 30 at Lindbergh Field -- were briefly delayed early yesterday because of a radar glitch, aviation officials said.

A San Diego-based computer mapping system that helps guide aircraft in the region broke down about 5:30 a.m. after authorities attempted a routine software update.

The system was repaired in about an hour, but the glitch led to 10- to 15-minute delays for the first wave of morning flights out of Lindbergh, an airport spokeswoman said.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said only three commercial planes were headed for Southern California when the breakdown occurred. All landed safely.

Gregor said controllers could spot the planes on radar, but were unable to use a sophisticated mapping tool that also shows terrain.

The mapping system is housed in an FAA facility near Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. The facility oversees airspace in Southern California.

--S.S.

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