The FAA set a target to return normal air traffic to Chicago by Oct. 13.
According to a news release, air traffic controllers who normally work at the Chicago En Route Center in Aurora are working at other surrounding FAA air traffic facilities to help traffic flow in and out of the Chicago-area airports. The FAA is working with its telecommunications contractor, Harris Corporation, to repair damaged communications equipment at the Chicago Center.
The FAA brought technicians from around the country to speed up central communications and are currently using replacement equipment.
Authorities say Brian Howard started a fire in the telecommunications room of the FAA facility in Aurora and then tried to commit suicide. He faces felony charges.
Teams will be working around the clock to install equipment, run cable and restore network connections at the facility.
