As more pilots are turning to websites and apps for their pre-flight planning, the FAA is making changes to the way its flight service stations operate.
According to a report at the National Business Aviation Association website, the plan calls for axing little-used services and eliminating redundancies — all aimed at cutting costs and improving efficiency.
Changes, which are slated to begin by mid-2015, include consolidating Flight Watch, the in-flight weather advisory service. After Oct. 1, advisories will be obtained through the regular FSS frequency.
The FAA is also proposing to phase out remote airport advisory (RAA) service at 19 airports. RAA service provides wind and altimeter monitoring within 10 miles of certain high-activity general aviation airports where a control tower isn’t operating.
The proposal will soon be posted in the Federal Register for public comment, according to NBAA officials.
Long-term flight service changes include:
- Having an air traffic controller specialize in handling distress calls on the 121.5 MHz emergency frequency;
- Transitioning the standard FAA flight plan form 7233-1 and requiring all flight plans to follow the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) format;
- Automatic opening and closing of flight plans;
- Having pilots speak directly to air traffic control to request an IFR clearance.
Flight service isn’t going away, however, and pilots can still get a live standard briefing over the telephone — for now. Flight services in Alaska will not change, according to the FAA.
Lockheed Martin, the contractor that operates the FAA’s flight service stations, is working to streamline briefings and provide information that’s specific to the route of flight, said John Kosak, an NBAA Air Traffic Services specialist.
However, with the emphasis on automation, Kosak cautions that the FAA must ensure it has the necessary supporting equipment.
“It’s important to have the servers and phone lines to handle the demand,” he said.
Hmmm, “Cutting costs and improving efficiency”. I think I’ve heard that song before from the FAA. Imagine the cost cutting if the 3rd Class Medical were to go away. Just my two cents.