Pilot input saves airport advisory service

Pilot input saves airport advisory service

Thanks to feedback from pilots who use the airport advisory service (AAS), the FAA has instructed Lockheed Martin to continue the service at the 20 airports it is currently offered.

Last year, the FAA was considering allowing Lockheed to discontinue AAS and asked for pilot input. That's because AAS is offered only at airports with a flight service station on the field, and Lockheed is in the process of consolidating some of those facilities.

Many pilots stressed that AAS helped enhance safety in the airport environment.

"Because of pilot input, AAS will continue to be provided at the existing 20 locations, even if the facility is no longer located at the airport," said Melissa Rudinger, AOPA vice president of regulatory affairs. "This is a perfect example of how involved pilots can influence what air traffic services are offered."

With AAS, pilots receive airport information from flight service specialists, including weather updates, wind and altimeter information, runway usage, and any known traffic in the area.

April 5, 2007