At least FSS isn't in denial

Sprint100

Sprint100

Well-Known Member
I didn't realize the problem with FSS until I went on a flight with MarkE and it took him forever and a day to close the freakin flight plan:mad:

FSS problems will be fixed, FAA administrator promises AOPA

We finally have their attention. After weeks of persistent effort by AOPA, the top levels of both the FAA and Lockheed Martin are now engaged and committed to fixing the significant problems pilots are experiencing with the new flight service station (FSS) system.
"I spent nearly an hour on the phone with FAA Administrator Marion Blakey on Sunday (May 13), and then again with her and her deputy on Monday," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "I have their pledge that they will do whatever it takes to ensure pilots get the safety of flight information that they need and deserve.

Flight planning tips

If you're having trouble reaching flight service, here are some options:
Use DTC Duat or CSC Duats for weather briefings. They are approved weather sources and are independent of the flight service station (FSS) system. Also, you can file IFR flight plans through them, which will be entered directly into the air traffic control system.
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If you're having trouble reaching flight service, here are some options:
Use DTC Duat or CSC Duats for weather briefings.
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Unfortunately, this is exactly what the FAA probably wants. Allow the FSS service to get so bad that more and more people switch, thus lowering the demand for live briefers. After awhile, they would use this to justify cutting more stations. I've seen students call up briefers THAT DIDN'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO USE MOST OF THEIR COMPUTER STATION FUNCTIONS!
 
Sprint100 said:
"I spent nearly an hour on the phone with FAA Administrator Marion Blakey on Sunday (May 13), and then again with her and her deputy on Monday,"[SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
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Hey, that's about the amount of time it takes most people to get through to a briefer! :cool:
 
I sat on the ground for 20 minutes this morning because FSS's and ATC's systems couldn't agree that CYXU (London, ON) was a destination. My chief pilot filed on the phone with FSS and we sat at the end of the runway going back and forth between ground and FSS. FSS kept saying the flight plan was in the system, ground said it wasn't.

This is why I personally always file with fltplan.com or duats, but the chief pilot likes to file with a briefer.

What a freakin mess.
 
mtsu_av8er said:
You can close your VFR flight plan via DUAT as well. Closing an IFR FP is as simple as calling the ARTCC. The phone numbers are in the A/FD.
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My problems have been at airports without internet access. I have the most problems with VFR flight plans, when I am teaching my students X-C. I have tried calling the Forth Worth FSS directly, but it routes me to their menu system.
 
mojo6911 said:
My problems have been at airports without internet access. I have the most problems with VFR flight plans, when I am teaching my students X-C. I have tried calling the Forth Worth FSS directly, but it routes me to their menu system.
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Just another way that a phone with internet access pays for itself.
 
After visiting McAlester FSS several times, to the point of first name basis, I was told that the first couple of monthes are going to be rough. The briefers are not enjoying it anymore than the pilots. I would agree that it is a royal pain in the @$$ but I don't think we should give up on them. My biggest complaint, other than the time, which will come down, is the background noise. Anyway, keep calling and give them a chance, their careers depend on it.
 
planejay said:
Anyway, keep calling and give them a chance, their careers depend on it.
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I'd advise them to get their applications in over with the folks that run DUAT and DUATS - I do feel sorry for them, though. When you have to keep a schedule, you don't have time to wait on them.
 
I sat on hold for 15 mins today before I gave up on them. However, Flightwatch was very prompt when I called up on the radio.....

They did play a long message about how sorry they were before I got put in the hold loop though. Which made me feel better....:sarcasm:
 
dvtpilot said:
I sat on hold for 15 mins today before I gave up on them. However, Flightwatch was very prompt when I called up on the radio.....

They did play a long message about how sorry they were before I got put in the hold loop though. Which made me feel better....:sarcasm:
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15 mins eh? Lucky!
 
We were lucky at JYO because the FSS was at the airport. We could just walk into the briefing room and be personally attended to.

For some reason recently, they moved the FSS from the aiport to Washington Center which is a couple of miles away. :mad:

I hope this doesn't mean that LM is going to take over the ARTCCs too! :eek: :eek:
 
Mahesh said:
We were lucky at JYO because the FSS was at the airport. We could just walk into the briefing room and be personally attended to.

For some reason recently, they moved the FSS from the aiport to Washington Center which is a couple of miles away. :mad:

I hope this doesn't mean that LM is going to take over the ARTCCs too! :eek: :eek:
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Dear god no! :panic:

"L.A. Center, Cherokee xxxxx", "Cherokee calling, During this transition period, users in some regions may experience intermittent service issues. We are addressing these matters as quickly as possible. If you have any questions, concerns, or other feedback, please tell us by logging on to the " Pilot Feedback " section of this website and a representative will call you within 48 hours. Thank you."
 
mtsu_av8er said:
The internet can be slow, I'll give you that. However, not 20 and 30 minutes slow!!
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The airport me and MarkE went to had a terribly slow internet connection. Mark just stayed on the phone. Considering this is California this was out in the sticks too.
 
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