FAA to reduce RCO network

A system that was developed 40 years ago, RCOs support communications between pilots and flight service stations, providing aeronautical services such as weather information, flight plan services, and advisories. On March 27, 2025, the FAA first proposed a plan to decommission the entire network of RCOs, with the exception of Alaska, and requested comments on the notice of intent, eventually receiving a total of 337 responses from individual pilots, aviation organizations, industry stakeholders, and FAA personnel.

Comments focused on safety concerns, in-flight access to weather information when operating flights in visual or instrument conditions, and the effects on emergency communications and search and rescue coordination. Responses addressing cost and efficiency questioned the balance between safety and perceived cost savings, several comments wondered about the potential increase of air traffic control workload, and some expressed concerns over reliance on newer technologies and service availability in remote areas, while others stressed the importance of accessibility of information about and awareness of the reduction of RCOs.

Based on the stakeholder input and a comprehensive safety risk assessment, the FAA then revised its initial proposal to retain 262 outlets. It stressed that safety considerations were paramount in the final decision.

The FAA argues that use of flight service radio frequencies has rapidly declined because of the introduction and widespread use of mobile applications, ADS-B, and electronic flight bags. It said that in 1980 flight service received more than 22,000 radio service requests daily compared to the current 300 per day nationwide. Its final decision marks the latest phase of a modernization strategy that began with the reduction of redundant frequencies after an extensive review with industry stakeholders in 2017. The FAA estimates that the decommissioning of the legacy infrastructure will result in savings of approximately $4.8 million, money it intends to reinvest in modernization efforts. It maintains that the reduction to 262 outlets is comparable to existing service levels.

Updates on which frequencies will remain and which will be decommissioned are available on the FAA website. According to an FAA list of frequently asked questions, 113 of the 262 retained RCOs will continue to use the 122.2 frequency. Updates will be communicated through FAA Safety Briefings, notams, and updates to charts and sectionals.

Pilots not relying on ADS-B, EFB applications, and digital flight service tools are encouraged to familiarize themselves with alternative methods for obtaining in-flight services.