Question of the Week: Given the Lockheed Martin-run Flight Service Stations' modernization snafus, long telephone holding times, and the erosion of specialists' knowledge of local areas due to facility consolidation, one <i>AVweb</i> reader has suggested that the FAA should just shut down FSS completely since DUATS provides the same service.

Question of the Week

Given the Lockheed Martin-run Flight Service Stations' modernization snafus, long telephone holding times, and the erosion of specialists' knowledge of local areas due to facility consolidation, one AVweb reader has suggested that the FAA should just shut down FSS completely since DUATS provides the same service.

Should the FAA eliminate FSS and require pilots to obtain flight briefings and file flight plans via the computer-based DUATS system?

YES — FSS no longer provides a unique and valuable service to pilots when compared with DUATS.

YES — but the FAA should keep some FSS staff for a clearance delivery automated call center and to provide FlightWatch service.

MAYBE — I'd have to study any such proposal before making a decision.

NO — the FSS transition is merely in flux; the service provided will improve and is still valuable.

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