Getting a Good Briefing

"Please wait while I connect you with a flight briefer." Ten measured words that separate pilots and flight service specialists at 800-WX-BRIEF.

Ten words, which at times have turned a simple briefing into a stressful experience because of long waits, calls dropped after enduring hold times of 10 minutes or longer, or flight plans that have vanished into the flight service station (FSS) abyss. If you've had similar FSS experiences, you are understandably frustrated by the new system. So, we are glad to tell you that things are looking up. AOPA's insistence to hold the FAA's and Lockheed Martin's feet to the fire, making them accountable for quality and timely service, is paying off.

A bumpy transition

As a student pilot--especially if you're just now learning how to obtain your own preflight weather briefings--you may not be very familiar with the automated flight service station (AFSS) system, which the FAA outsourced to contractor Lockheed Martin on October 1, 2005. Before that, it took 17 years for the FAA to consolidate 317 flight service stations into 61 automated FSSs--a process that was completed in September 1997.

Lockheed Martin launched an aggressive plan to further modernize and consolidate the FSS system over a short two-year period. FS21--shorthand for Flight Service for the 21st Century--collapsed the remaining 61 AFSSs into 17 facilities connected to three hub stations, located in Fort Worth, Texas; Leesburg, Virginia; and Prescott, Arizona. The facilities share a common database so every briefer has access to all information across the country.

So what's up with FS21?

There's no denying it, FS21 has had its problems. Some of these were to be expected, such as technical hiccups and growing pains not uncommon for system changes of this magnitude.

But this spring, Lockheed pumped up its aggressive consolidation schedule, causing a not yet fully capable system to crash and almost burn when it headed into a bustling summer flying season. The overburdened system just emerging from its infancy now limped along, and dissatisfaction with briefings was reached quickly when excessive delays and major system problems reared their ugly heads--causing bad vibes for pilots and briefers alike. AOPA staff felt the crunch immediately and took swift action. Working directly with the FAA and Lockheed Martin, the association began to determine FSS service gaps that affected quality and timeliness of briefings. See a full disclosure of the concerns that have plagued the system on AOPA Online. The top three issues were long telephone-hold times, dropped calls, and lost flight plans.

FS21 Quick Tips: Dial 800/WXBRIEF (800/992-7433) Press 1 and the state code to speak to a local-area briefer. Press 1 and say "any" for first available briefer anywhere in the country. Press 2 to issue, cancel, or amend notams (authorized persons only). Press 3 and the state code to listen to TIBS (transcribed information briefing service). Press 4 to record a fast-file flight plan. Press 5 to hear special announcements. Expedite IFR clearance: 888/766-8267. TIBS direct line: 877/4TIBS-WX (877/484-2799) and the state code. FSS hotline: 888/FLT-SRVC (888/358-7782). International access: Albuquerque, New Mexico: 505/243-7831. Fort Worth, Texas: 817/697-6110. Miami, Florida: 305/233-2600. Intra-Florida: 800/432-4716. Prescott, Arizona: 928/583-6126.

AOPA has been in close contact with the FAA and Lockheed Martin on a daily (and sometimes hourly) basis to monitor and resolve these problems and to ensure a well-managed and acceptable FSS system emerges.

FS21 briefing tips

AOPA recognizes that there will be challenges ahead as FS21 matures. With that in mind, we've bound into this magazine an AFSS tips card to help you navigate the FS21 telephone system. Perforated for a chart- or flight-planning ring binder, it lists two-letter state codes for your local area briefer, and includes the dedicated direct-dial numbers for fast-file flight planning and IFR clearance delivery.

For any problems with the AFSS system, make sure to call the FSS complaint hotline immediately at 888/358-7782.

What is the FS21 forecast?

Once the glitches are fixed and the wrinkles ironed out, expect some exciting changes on the horizon, such as:

Computer-based interactive briefings--access your personal interactive weather briefing while talking to the flight service specialist. No guessing, you see what the briefer sees.

Personal tailored briefings--provide FS21 your pilot profile and the specialist molds a briefing specific to your pilot certificate level or experience.

E-mail alerts--notams and weather alerts sent to your computer or PDA (personal digital assistant) based on a previous briefing.

Lockheed Martin is committed to making FS21 a success. It has beefed up staff training, and most important: FSS specialists are being coached on geographic areas so you can access a briefer with specialized knowledge of your local area. All you have to do is call 800/WXBRIEF, press "1", and dial the two-letter state code.

Machteld Smith is senior editor of AOPA Pilot and an AOPA Flight Training contributing editor. She is a 730-hour private pilot with multiengine, seaplane, and instrument ratings.