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?
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.
Key Takeaways:
- Since Lockheed Martin took over Flight Service (FSS) in 2005, pilots and air traffic controllers report a decline in service quality, including a lack of local weather knowledge and difficulties with IFR clearances and PIREP filing.
- Many promised technological enhancements, such as an interactive online portal and text updates, have not materialized, leading to pilot frustration.
- While Lockheed Martin asserts it meets all contractual obligations, a significant portion of pilots find the service increasingly irrelevant, obtaining better or faster information through the internet and datalink weather.
- The article questions the value of the $190 million annual contract for a service that often fails to provide the "value-add" of judgment and expertise pilots once relied upon.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
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