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Where is our FS21?

The tale used to go like this: Its a dark and stormy night. Youve spent the last 500 miles bouncing around the inside of an unbroken cloud, living in a world of round instruments 20 inches in front of your face. Youve kept the attitude indicator blue-side up, the altimeters 100s hand at 12 oclock, and the CDI needle within a degree or two of center as VOR after VOR has ticked by. On departure, the TAF for your destination was sickeningly close to minimums-but that information is hours old.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Since Lockheed Martin took over Flight Service in 2005, many pilots report a decline in service quality, citing issues like a lack of local weather knowledge, and difficulties with IFR clearances and PIREP filing, despite the company meeting basic contractual metrics.
  • A significant portion of the flying public now finds traditional Flight Service largely irrelevant, as they can access faster and better weather information through the internet and datalink, negating the "value-add" that FSS once provided.
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Today’s briefers carry on a proud history of service as they connect with over 80,000 people a week. But should GA be proud—or abashed—at what “service” means today?

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