wrote:
I it just me, or does it seem like since Lockheed took over the FSS the
briefings have gone from relatively objective to overly conservative? It used to be
that you could talk with a briefer and they'd give you the facts and let you make your
own decision. Maybe with a "VFR not recommended, would you like to file IFR?"
Anymore it seems like when you talk to them they always try to talk you out of a
flight unless it's CAVU.

Anyone else experienced similar?

Cory,

I have noticed that a lot more recently from the New York and
Williamsport FSS. I wish I could compare it to the FSS I've used for
years (Millville) but the roof of their building collapsed and they shut
down early. I found the problem most acute while trying to get a
briefing for a flight review with the student present. The student
hadn't called FSS in dog's years, so I figured I'd put the FSS guy on
speakerphone and walk the student through it so he could get the next
briefing on his own, know what to ask for and know what to expect.

We had some spotty thunderstorms in the area and while we didn't intend
to fly that day, I didn't tell the briefer that. He immediately said
"Well, you have some thunderstorm activity out there. VFR flight is not
recommended. Can I help you with anything else?" No detail about where
the thunderstorms are, intensity, speed and direction they were moving,
and any suggested alternate routes like I used to get. Funny. I
thought *I* was the pilot and got to make the go/no-go decision.

When I put on my CFI cap and told him that I needed a full standard
briefing for training purposes he balked and said "well, I have a lot of
other people waiting". I told him I needed a standard briefing and
would get it from him OR his supervisor. He reluctantly granted me each
bit of the standard briefing, but only after I prompted him for
everything "and how about the winds....and the notams, etc." Totally
worthless briefer/briefing, if you ask me. And a clear sign of things
to come if we let these damn airline lobbyists privatize ATC.

-Doug

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Doug Vetter, ATP/CFI

http://www.dvatp.com
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