Introduction to Flight Service Station (FSS)
Provides pilots with essential services such as weather updates, flight planning assistance, and emergency coordination
FSS Flight Services and In-Flight Support:
Preflight Briefings
FSS provides comprehensive preflight briefings, offering detailed weather information tailored to your planned route and departure time. This ensures you are fully informed of any weather conditions that could impact your flight before takeoff.
In-Flight Weather Advisories
During the flight, FSS continues to support pilots by providing real-time weather advisories, keeping you updated on any changing conditions along your route.
NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions)
FSS plays a critical role in issuing NOTAMs, which alert pilots to temporary changes that may affect airspace, airports, or flight paths, allowing you to adjust your plans as necessary. (We will cover NOTAMs in more detail in section 4.2)
Search and Rescue Assistance
In the event of an emergency, FSS assists with search and rescue operations, helping coordinate efforts to locate and assist aircraft in distress.
Ongoing Updates and Communication Support
FSS provides ongoing updates about navigation aids, airspace restrictions, and airport conditions. They offer flight planning assistance and ensure smooth communication, including radio relay services when direct contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC) is not possible.
Untowered vs. Towered Airport Procedures
When flying near airports, UA pilots must follow specific communication procedures based on whether the airspace is controlled (towered) or uncontrolled (untowered).
Untowered Airports: Rely on FSS
At airports where there’s no control tower, drone pilots turn to FSS to get all the details they need before they take off.
Towered Airports: Rely on ATC
When interacting with airports with a control tower, pilots work directly with Air Traffic Control (ATC). ATC guides them on where and when they can fly, ensuring everything’s safe and authorized.
How to Communicate with Flight Service Stations (FSS)
FSS Operates on Designated Radio Frequencies
Designated Radio Frequencies
To communicate with an FSS, pilots should tune into the designated radio frequencies on their aircraft radio. In the U.S., common FSS frequencies include 122.2, 122.3, 122.4, 122.6, and 122.65 MHz.
Finding FSS Frequencies on Charts
FSS frequencies are typically listed on sectional charts or found in the Chart Supplement, making it easy for pilots to identify and use the correct frequency for their location.
Types of FSS Briefings
Here’s a breakdown of the three briefing types, Standard, Abbreviated, and Outlook, each serving a specific need in flight planning.
The Flight Service Station (FSS) provides three types of briefings designed to cater to different levels of detail and timing.
Whether a pilot needs a full overview, a quick update, or a long-term forecast, these briefings assist pilots in having the right information to make informed decisions before takeoff.
1. Standard Briefing:
A standard briefing offers a comprehensive overview, detailing current and anticipated weather along the planned route.
2. Abbreviated Briefing:
For a quicker update, pilots can opt for an abbreviated briefing, which provides a condensed version of the standard briefing, focusing on essential information for safe flight planning.
3. Outlook Briefing:
An outlook briefing provides forecasts beyond six hours, giving pilots a longer-term perspective on weather conditions.
*There’s often a tricky question on the Part 107 Exam regarding these briefings. When given the choice between “supplemental briefing” and “abbreviated briefing,” choose “abbreviated briefing” because “supplemental briefing” does not exist. It sounds relevant, but in reality, it is absolutely irrelevant!
