> The FAA has reassured the public and airlines that SMART only suggests routes and doesn't affect air safety.

> [The] FAA also says a D.C.-based team of experts validates findings before they’re ever passed on to air traffic control, and the controllers retain the final decision on whether to accept SMART’s suggestions.

Seems unlikely.

Doubtful. That tool likely suggests "improved" clearances, which a controller can use at their discretion. It likely does not control clearances directly.

And the early reports describe the issue as related to ATC communication infrastructure.

Awkward timing, to say the least.