The FAA is seeking input from pilots about its plans to shut down its network of remote communications outlets (RCO), which allows pilots to communicate with Flight Service while flying.
According to a notice of intent filed March 27, 2025, in the Federal Register, the FAA intends to decommission all 936 RCOs across the Continental United States due to decreased demand.
FAA officials explained that Flight Service provides inflight advisory services over a radio network of 936 frequencies, noting the infrastructure was developed more than 40 years ago with “little or no modifications since.”
Agency officials report that in the mid-1980s, Flight Service received 22,000 service requests each day across this network, while today they receive fewer than 300 a day.
“This 99% reduction in the volume of requests is not representative of a reduction in flights. Rather, it is a result of a move to new technology,” the notice said, explaining that new technology has “made it possible for users today to receive the information and services that Flight Service provides without the need for radio communications.”
“The remaining infrastructure and staffing for this outdated method costs taxpayers millions of dollars annually to support the small number of pilots that have not converted to mobile technology,” the notice continued. “In January 2016, a MITRE study found that a vast majority of the frequencies were duplicate, overlapping, and seldom used.”
In 2017, after a public comment period that generated just 13 comments, the FAA decommissioned 641 frequencies, including 404 RCOs and 237 VOR outlets for a cost savings estimated at $2.5 million annually in maintenance costs, with additional savings realized once leases and voice switch infrastructure were decreased.
It is the FAA’s intent to decommission all remaining 936 RCOs after a final rule is published.
“The FAA is interested in comments concerning the move to decommission the remaining 936 Remote Communications Outlets,” according to the notice. “Users are welcome to include comments concerning any other aspect of your experience with Flight Service.”
Deadline to submit comments is May 27, 2025. You can submit your comments at FederalRegister.gov. As of April 10, 114 comments had already been submitted.
According to officials with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, many pilots are not yet equipped to operate safely without the network and say the plan for a complete shutdown is premature.
“A phased reduction of the network under which services meet current demand would be a preferable alternative,” said Jim McClay, AOPA’s director of airspace, air traffic, and security.
