May 27, 2025
Mr. Chris Rocheleau
Acting Administrator
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20591
RE: Notice of Intent to Decommission Flight Service Remote Communications Outlets (RCOs) Docket No. FAA-2025-0558
Mr. Rocheleau:
On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) I am pleased to respond to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) notice of intent to decommission Flight Service network of communication frequencies for advisory services throughout the contiguous United States (CONUS), excluding those in Alaska. TTD represents 38 affiliated unions whose members work in all modes of transportation, including many of the Flight Service Specialists that operate Radio Communications Outlets (RCOs). For the reasons outlined below, we respectfully request that the FAA rescind this proposal.
Flight Service Specialists—represented by TTD affiliate, the International Association of Machinists—are highly trained professionals who play a critical role in aviation safety through their communications with pilots via RCOs. General aviation pilots depend on these in-flight services for timely and essential information, including hazardous weather alerts, Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) updates, flight plan support, takeoff clearances at non-towered airports, lost pilot assistance, emergency response, and search and rescue coordination. We strongly urge the FAA to withdraw this proposal to ensure the continued strength of our national aviation communications network—one that is vital to maintaining emergency readiness and situational awareness for all pilots.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this matter and look forward to working with the FAA in the future.
Sincerely,
Greg Regan
President