Flight Planning Apps Are Replacing Flight Service Stations

Lockheed Martin's Flight Service Stations are still open, but the services for pre-flight briefing and cockpit assistance are dwindling fast. The FSS now pushes for more pilot self-assistance as it is gradually being replaced by digital applications.

Elaine Kauh

Friday, December 04, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Pilots have largely transitioned from direct Flight Service contact to online self-briefings and electronic flight bag (EFB) apps for comprehensive preflight and in-flight information, diminishing the need for human interaction.
While 14 CFR 91.103 mandates obtaining preflight information, the FAA no longer designates "official" providers for Part 91 flights, though using traceable online accounts for briefings offers legal proof.
Despite the convenience of self-service tools, pilots retain the responsibility for consistently and thoroughly reviewing all flight-pertinent data, including weather, NOTAMs, and system availability (e.g., RAIM checks), both on the ground and in flight.

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Preflight briefings are a must. It’s not only common sense; obtaining basic information related to an IFR flight is required under 14 CFR 91.103, including “weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, (and) alternatives available if the planned flight cannot be completed.” This by no means covers everything, and thanks to popular demand (and recent adjustments in the rules), it’s largely up to us to get what we need.

Online self-briefings and in-flight weather have become the primary method for many pilots. With all the electronic resources available, we seldom have to deal with Flight Service directly. If you choose not to, however, you’ll need to keep track of what you’ve read, and what you take with you.