Sounds like the IBM 9020D air traffic control computer complex at West Drayton is beginning to show its age – well it is a 1960s vintage complex of 360/65s front-ended by 360/50s, but the Civil Aviation Authority denies allegations that it breaks down on average twice a month; the same computers are still keeping the airlanes as free and as safe to fly as they are able to all over America, where the Federal Aviation Administration is under way with a major replacement programme.
