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:

Preflight briefings are legally required for IFR flights, but modern aviation has largely shifted from direct Flight Service interaction to online self-briefing tools and integrated apps for pre-flight planning and in-flight information.
Although the FAA no longer designates "official" briefing sources for Part 91, using services that require user accounts and logins provides crucial documentation that a briefing occurred, important for compliance and incident review.
With the increasing reliance on self-service electronic flight bags (EFBs) and in-cockpit data, pilots are fully responsible for consistently and thoroughly checking all necessary information, including weather, NOTAMs, and RAIM, as Flight Service's direct assistance role continues to diminish.

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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.