On May 6, 2009, the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General issued a report that highlights the vulnerability of the nation's air traffic control system to cyber threats. The report was requested by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Republican Leader John L. Mica and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Tom Petri.
Mica and Petri sent this letter to Committee leaders requesting a hearing to examine the air traffic control cyber security issue and the Federal Aviation Administration's capacity to address cyber attacks.