FAA says technology has made Flight Service redundant, looks to wind down
WASHINGTON - When was the last time you contacted Flight Service over the radio? Apparently it is happening much less often, so much so that the FAA is considering a plan to decommission the Flight Service Station (FSS) network of communication frequencies through the contiguous U.S.—with the exception of those operating in Alaska, Meg Godlewski writes for Flying. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
14 April 2025 - "Flight Service has experienced reduction in the volume of requests for advisory services, and a resulting consolidation in Flight Service stations," the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wrote in its notice, which is available here. "In the mid-1980s, Flight Service received 22,000 service requests per day across this network, while today they receive fewer than 300 per day. In turn, from over 350 Flight Service stations with over 3,000 employees 40 years ago, there are now only two (2) facilities with fewer than 200 specialists. This 99% reduction in the volume of requests is not representative of a reduction in flights. Rather, it is a result of a move to new technology with no safety impacts. Technology (e.g., mobile technology) has made it possible for users today to receive the information and services that Flight Service provides without the need for radio communications.
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Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
